HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


OF 


CHRIST  CHURCH, 


PHILADELPHIA. 


AN 

HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


OF 


CHRIST    CHURCH, 


PHILADELPHIA, 


FROM  ITS  FOUNDATION, 


A.  D.  1695,  to  A.  D.  1841. 


BY  THE 

RET.  BENJAMIN  DORR,  D.  D., 

RECTOR  OP  CHRIST  CHURCH. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

BURNS    &    SIEG. 

1859. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S41,  by  Benjamin  Dorr, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Penn- 
sylvania. 


COLLINS,  PRINTER, 
705  Lodge  Alley. 


TO 
THE   CONGREGATION 

OF 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  PHILADELPHIA, 

THIS  HISTORY 

OF   THE   CHURCH   IN  WHICH 

THEIR  FATHERS  WORSHIPPED, 
IS    AFFECTIONATELY    INSCRIBED, 

BY  THEIR  FRIEND  AND  PASTOR, 

THE   AUTHOR. 


OUR    HOLY     AND    OUR    BEAUTIFUL    HOUSE, 

WHERE    OUR    FATHERS    PRAISED    THEE. 

ISAIAH,    LXI  V.    U. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

The  principal  source  from  which  the  mate- 
rials of  this  history  have  been  drawn,  are  the 
records  of  Christ  Church,  and  the  minutes  of 
the  vestry.  Other  sources  of  information  have 
been  diligently,  and  often  successfully  sought 
after;  and  every  thing  in  the  Philadelphia  and 
Loganian  libraries,  calculated  to  throw  light 
on  the  subject,  has  been  carefully  examined. 
No  time  nor  pains  have  been  spared  to  render 
the  work  as  accurate  as  possible. 

The  causes  which  have  delayed  its  publica- 
tion, and  the  reasons  for  departing  from  the 
original  plan,  as  set  forth  in  a  prospectus 
issued  two  years  since,  being  matters  which 
cannot  interest  the  generality  of  readers,  need 
not  be  mentioned  here.  The  delay  has  made 
the  work  much  more  full  and  accurate,  than  it 
could  otherwise  have  been;    and  it  is  hoped 


Vlll  ADVERTISEMENT. 


that  it  will  not  be  found  an  unacceptable  con- 
tribution to  the  ecclesiastical  history  of  our 
country.  If  it  be  thought  by  some  readers, 
that  many  of  the  circumstances  recorded  are 
too  trifling  in  their  nature  to  be  so  preserved, 
let  it  be  borne  in  mind,  that  they  are  facts 
which  posterity  may  regard  with  interest ;  and 
to  most  of  those  who  will  peruse  these  pages, 
the  simplest  incident  connected  with  the  church 
in  which  they  and  their  fathers  worshipped,  is 
valuable ;  for  no  record  can  be  unimportant, 
which  serves  to  awaken  hallowed  associations, 
or  to  perpetuate  time-honored  usages. 

The  author  will  only  add,  in  reference  to 
those  who  now  worship,  or  who  shall  hereafter 
worship,  in  this  venerable  edifice,  "  Peace  be 
within  thy  walls,  and  plenteousness  within  thy 
palaces.  For  my  brethren  and  companions' 
sakes,   I  will   wish  thee   prosperity." 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Introduction 1 

Historical  Account  of  Christ  Church        ....       23 

Succession  of  Rectors 280 

Succession  of  Assistant  Ministers  ....     288 

A  list  of  Wardens 294 

Officers  of  Christ  Church  for  1841  .        .        .        .301 

APPENDIX. 

Church  Edifice 305 

Monuments 310 

Pulpit 320 

Church  Plate .        .322 

Organ i        .        .  325 

Bells 330 

Library 333 

Christ  Church  Hospital             335 

Architect's  Letter 338 

Report  of  Committee  on  Steeple 344 

Miscellaneous 347 


X  CONTENTS. 

Charter  granted  by  Penn 349 

Addition  to  Charter 355 

Act  of  Separation  359 

Division  of  Property  371 

Early  History  of  the  Church  in  Pennsylvania  .         .  389 


INTRODUCTION. 


"  I  love  the  Church,  the  holy  Church, 

That  o'er  our  life  presides, 
The  birth,  the  bridal,  and  the  grave, 

And  many  an  hour  besides  ! 
Be  mine,  through  life,  to  live  in  her, 

And  when  the  Lord  shall  call, 
To  die  in  her,  the  spouse  of  Christ, 

The  Mother  of  us  all." 

Christian  Ballads. 


HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


OF 


CHRIST  CHURCH,  PHILADELPHIA. 


INTRODUCTION. 


There  is  no  building  in  our  city,  and  it  may 
be  doubted  whether  there  is  any  in  our  country, 
around  which  so  many  hallowed  associations 
cluster,  and  which  calls  up  so  many  time-hon- 
oured and  holy  reminiscences,  as  the  venerable 
structure  known  as  Christ  Church.  It  is  nearly 
a  century  and  a  half  since  the  first  humble 
edifice  was  erected  on  the  spot  where  the  pre- 
sent beautiful  building  now  stands ;  and  this 
last  has  withstood  the  storms  and  the  tempests 
of  more  than  a  hundred  years.  In  a  country 
so  new  and  changeful  as  ours,  where  the  most 
sacred  and  venerable  piles  are  often  sacrificed 
to  the  love  of  gain,  and  not  unfrequently  pulled 
down  to  make   room  for  what  is  miscalled 

1 


Z  INTRODUCTION. 

"  modern  improvement,"  it  is  claiming  for  a 
building  great  antiquity,  to  say  that  it  has  stood 
for  a  century.  To  every  citizen  in  Philadelphia, 
who  cherishes  the  recollection  of  departed 
years,  and  values  the  monuments  of  olden  time, 
this  Church  must  be  looked  upon  with  respect ; 
while  by  every  Episcopalian,  it  must  be  re- 
garded with  feelings  of  veneration  and  love. 
Some  there  are,  who  are  how  far  down  the 
vale  of  life — some  whose  heads  are  whitened 
by  the  frosts  of  nearly  four  score  winters — who 
have  worshipped  here  from  earliest  childhood, 
and  in  the  very  pew  where  their  fathers,  and 
their  fathers'  fathers  worshipped  before  them. 
And  what  a  tide  of  "  sweet  and  bitter  recollec- 
tions" must  gush  upon  their  aged  hearts,  as 
they  enter  its  consecrated  walls,  and  stand 
beneath  its  hallowed  arches,  or  tread  its  sacred 
aisles,  with  the  monuments  of  the  dead  around 
them,  and  the  dust  of  those  who  died  a  century 
ago  sleeping  beneath  their  feet,  while  busy 
memory  carries  them  back  to  the  days  of  their 
childhood — to  the  time  when  here  the  man  of 
God  first  signed  the  sign  of  the  holy  cross  upon 
their  sunny  brow  ;  or  when  they  came  glad  and 


INTRODUCTION.  3 

gleesome,  around  the  chancel  rail,  to  say  their 
catechism ;  or,  in  after  years,  with  the  young 
and  joyous  group,  to  renew  their  vows  of 
baptism  in  the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation ;  or, 
in  still  later  life,  to  receive  the  sacred  symbols 
of  a  dying  Saviour's  love. 

Pleasant,  yet  mournful  to  the  soul,  are  the 
remembrances  which  crowd  upon  the  memory 
of  such  an  one,  at  such  a  time.  A  multitude 
of  affecting  inquiries  press  upon  his  mind,  and 
as  faithful  memory  prompts  the  answer,  he  feels 
how  true  it  is  "  that  the  fashion  of  this  world 
passeth  away  ;"  that  "  all  are  of  the  dust,  and 
all  return  to  their  dust  again  ;"  that  "  we  bring 
our  years  to  an  end  as  a  tale  that  is  told." 
He  looks  at  the  baptismal  font,  and  he  asks — 
"  Where  are  the  parents,  or  the  sponsors,  who 
brought  me,  a  helpless  infant,  and  consecrated 
me  to  the  Lord,  before  my  guileless  heart  had 
known  sorrow  or  care  ?"  He  looks  at  the 
chancel  rail,  and  mentally  exclaims — "  Where 
now  is  that  goodly  company  of  happy  children 
who  first  essayed  with  me  their  catechism? 
Or  where  now  is  that  young  and  healthful  band 
with  whom  I  came  to  renew  and  ratify  my 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

baptismal  vows  V  He  looks  around  him  and 
asks — "  Where  are  those  who  once  worshipped 
with  me  in  this  house  of  prayer  ? — those  well 
remembered  forms  of  hoary  age,  and  ruddy 
youth,  and  playful  childhood,  which,  in  former 
years  I  was  wont  to  meet  here — where  are 
they  ?"  Reflections  such  as  these  must  crowd 
upon  the  minds  of  many  of  those  who  now 
statedly  worship  in  this  temple,  and  impress 
upon  them  that  affecting  truth,  that  as  it  is 
now  with  these,  so  will  it  shortly  be  with  them ; 
the  places  which  now  know  them  will  know 
them  no  more  forever ;  the  seats  which  they 
now  fill,  will  be  occupied  by  strangers,  who, 
in  their  turn  will  ask — "  Our  fathers,  where  are 
they  ?" 

The  history  of  this  Church  is  in  a  measure 
identified  with  the  first  organization  and 
establishment  of  the  Church  in  these  United 
States ;  for  here  it  was  that  the  first  general 
Convention  of  Clerical  and  Lay  deputies,  from 
seven  of  the  thirteen  States,  met  to  frame  an 
ecclesiastical  Constitution,  in  1785,  and  again 
in  1786.  Here  the  first  Diocesan  Convention 
was  held,  in  May  1785,  and  the  subsequent  Con- 


INTRODUCTION.  O 

ventions  were  held  here  for  twenty-eight  years, 
with  a  single  exception.  Here  the  first  ordi- 
nation in  the  state  was  held  by  Bishop  White 
in  May,  1787; — and  here  six  Bishops  have 
been  consecrated  by  him,  viz: — The  Right 
Rev.  Robert  Smith,  D.  D.,  of  South  Carolina, 
the  Right  Rev.  Edward  Bass,  D.  D.,  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, the  Right  Rev.  Theodore  Dehon, 
D.  D.,  of  South  Carolina,  the  Right  Rev. 
Nathaniel  Bowen,  D.  D.  of  South  Carolina,  the 
Right  Rev.  Henry  Ustick  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  the  Right  Rev.  James 
Hervey  Otey,  D.  t).,  of  Tennessee. 

Nor  is  this  church  without  some  associations 
which  are  dear  to  the  bosom  of  the  patriot ;  for 
here  it  was  that  the  members  of  the  Continental 
Congress  assembled  for  worship  on  the  20th 
day  of  July,  1775,  a  day  set  apart  by  them  as  a 
day  of  general  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer, 
through  all  the  American  provinces ;  and  in 
this  temple  the  revered  and  beloved  Washing- 
ton, when  President  of  the  United  States,  and 
during  the  period  that  this  city  continued  the 
seat  of  government,  habitually  worshipped.  The 
pew  appropriated  by  the  vestry  for  his  use  is 

1* 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

well  known  to  all  who  have  been  familiar  with 
the  Church  for  even  a  few  years;  and  has 
often  been  pointed  out  to  the  inquiring  stran- 
ger. 

But  that  which  crowns  all  the  other  associ- 
ations connected  with  this  sacred  edifice,  that 
which  will  continue  to  impart  an  interest  to  it 
^  through  all  coming  time,  that  which  will  cause 
every  patriot,  and  christian,  and  churchman  to 
regard  it  with  peculiar  veneration,  is  the  recol- 
lection that  here  the  intimate  friend  of  Wash- 
ington— the  first  Chaplain  to  Congress — the 
beloved  and  revered  Patriarch  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  these  United  States,  officiated  for 
more  than  three-score  years.  In  this  temple 
he  was  baptized,  and  here  he  had  worshipped 
from  earliest  childhood.  Here  he  commenced, 
and  here  he  ended  his  ministerial  labours  ; 
having  been  seven  years  an  assistant  minister, 
and  fifty-seven  years  the  rector.  How  pure 
and  blameless  must  have  been  his  life,  who 
could  pass  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave, 
through  four  score  and  eight  years,  amid  such 
a  variety  of  scenes  in  public  and  private,  during 
the  whole  period  of  our  revolutionary  struggle, 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

and  actively  engaged  in  all  the  measures  for 
perfecting  the  ecclesiastical  organization  of  the 
church  in  this  country,  and  in  his  native  city 
too — untarnished  by  the  breath  of  envy,  hatred, 
or  malice  !  We  are  told  by  high  authority,  as 
a  general  truth,  that  "  a  prophet  is  not  without 
honour,  save  in  his  own  country;"  but  this 
example  proves  that  there  are  times  and  cir- 
cumstances when  he  may  have  honour  even 
there. 

The  first  building  known  as  Christ  Church 
was  erected  on  the  spot  where  the  present 
edifice  stands,  in  the  year  1695,  only  twelve 
years  after  the  laying  out  of  the  city.  The 
population  of  Philadelphia  at  that  time  could 
not  have  been  more  than  four  or  five  thousand, 
and  the  building  then  erected,  though  humble 
in  its  size  and  architecture,  must  have  been  a 
goodly  structure  for  a  city  then  in  its  infancy. 
By  what  authority  it  has  been  represented  as 
a  wooden  structure,  I  have  not  been  able  to 
discover.  We  think  we  can  adduce  sufficient 
evidence  to  prove  that  it  must  have  been  of 
brick ;  and  although  very  far  inferior  to  the 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

present  edifice,  yet  by  no  means  so  small  as 
has  been  represented. 

Watson,  in  his  "Annals  of  Philadelphia," 
speaking  of  Christ  Church,  says — "  The  facts 
concerning  the  premises,  gleaned  from  a 
variety  of  sources,  are  to  the  following  effect, 
to  wit : — 

"  The  first  Church,  of  wood,  built  under  the 
ministry  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clayton,  in  the  year 
1695,  is  specially  referred  to  by  Gabriel  Tho- 
mas's publication  of  1698,  who  says,  'the 
Church  of  England  built  a  very  fine  Church 
in  this  city  in  the  year  1695.'  The  most  we 
should  infer  from  this  commendation  of  it  is, 
that  it  was  probably  sufficiently  sightly  for  its 
small  size.  We  know  it  was  his  general 
manner  to  extol  other  buildings  which  still 
remain  to  convince  us  that  good  buildings 
then,  are  but  ordinary  in  our  present  enlarged 
conceptions  of  beauty  and  greatness.  Such 
as  it  was,  it  was  enlarged  in  1710. 

"  The  original  records  were  accidentally 
destroyed  by  fire ;  of  course,  what  we  can 
now  know  must  be  such  as  have  been  incident- 
ally mentioned  with  other  facts. 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

"  Among  the  witnesses  who  had  once  seen 
the  primitive  Church,  and  had  also  been 
cotemporary  with  our  own  times,  was  old 
blind  Alice,  who  died  in  1802,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  116  years.  She  had  been  all  her  long 
life  a  zealous  and  hearty  member  of  that 
Church.  At  the  age  of  115  she  came  from 
Dunk's  Ferry,  where  she  lived,  to  see  once 
more  her  beloved  Christ  Church.  She  then 
told  my  friend  Samuel  Coates,  Esq.  and 
others  present,  that  she  well  remembered 
the  original  lowly  structure.  The  ceiling 
of  it  she  said  she  could  touch  with  her  lift- 
ed hands.  The  bell,  to  call  the  people,  was 
hung  in  the  crotch  of  a  tree  close  by.  She 
said  when  it  was  superseded  by  a  more  stately 
structure  of  brick,  they  run  up  the  walls  so 
far  outside  of  the  first  Church,  that  the  worship 
was  continued  unmolested  until  the  other  was 
roofed  and  so  far  finished  as  to  be  used  in  its 
stead." 

Most  of  the  above  account  rests  on  the 
tradition  of  an  aged  coloured  woman,  who 
professes  to  have  seen  the  first  Church;  but 
either  her  memory  must  have  failed  her,  which 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

is  quite  probable,  considering  her  extraordinary- 
age,  or  else  the  persons  to  whom  she  related 
these  facts  must  have  misunderstood  her. 
That  most  of  the  circumstances  here  said  to 
be  detailed  by  "  blind  Alice,"  with  such  minute- 
ness, are  without  foundation  in  truth,  can  be 
shown  from  authentic  documents  now  in  the 
possession  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church.  It 
is  true,  there  are  no  minutes  of  the  Vestry  of 
an  earlier  date  than  1717 ;  but  the  Cash  Book 
goes  back  to  1708,  only  thirteen  years  after 
the  first  Church  was  erected.  Nor  is  it  impro- 
bable that "  the  original  records  were  accident- 
ally destroyed  by  fire,"  as  Watson  states. 
But  we  shall  find  that  the  existing  records 
are  sufficient  to  disprove  the  accuracy  of  the 
foregoing  tradition. 

That  the  original  building  was  of  brick  may 
be  fairly  inferred,  if  not  clearly  proved,  from 
the  following  facts,  viz : — In  April,  1709,  there 
is  a  charge  on  the  Cash  Book  for  "  2250  bricks 
for  the  belfry;"  and  in  May,  1711,  when  the 
first  alteration  was  made,  sixteen  years  after 
the  erection  of  the  Church,  there  is  on  the 
Cash  Book  a  charge  for  "  37,000  bricks  for  an 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

addition  to  the  Church ;"  and  at  the  same  time 
a  charge  for  "  pulling  down  the  gable  end  and 
cleaning  the  bricks."  That  the  gable  end, 
therefore,  was  of  brick  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
and  it  is  hardly  probable  that  so  many  thou- 
sands of  bricks  would  be  used  in  enlarging  a 
wood  Church,  of  such  small  dimensions  as  the 
above  quotation  from  Watson's  Annals  repre- 
sents this  to  be;  besides,  the  enlargement  of 
the  Church  cost  nearly  four  hundred  pounds. 

We  think  Gabriel  Thomas's  testimony  en- 
titled to  much  greater  weight  than  is  given  to 
it  by' the  Annalist.  Writing  in  1698,  only  three 
years  after  the  Church  was  built,  he  says, — 
"  The  English  have  four  sorts  of  assemblies,  or 
religious  meetings  here : — as  first,  the  Church 
of  England,  who  built  a  very  fine  Church  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  1695."* 
Now  when  it  is  borne  in  mind  that  Thomas 
had  resided  in  Pennsylvania  for  fifteen  years, 
and  had  known  Philadelphia  from  its  first 
foundation,  and  that  his  book  was  printed  in 
1698,  when  the  city  had  many  good  buildings 

*History  of  Pennsylvania,  by  Gabriel  Thomas,  London,  1698,  p.  51. 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

in  it,  we  can  hardly  suppose  that  he  would 
apply  the  epithet  "  very  fine"  to  a  church  of 
wood  so  low  that  a  person  "  could  touch  the 
ceiling  with  the  lifted  hands."  But  there  is 
one  other  circumstance  which  seems  to  place 
this  matter  beyond  all  question;  when  the 
west  end  of  the  present  building  was  erected, 
it  was  added  to  the  other ;  and  so  added,  that 
both  should  form  one  audience  room;  which 
could  not  have  been,  had  the  old  Church  been 
so  very  "  lowjy  a  structure"  as  has  been  repre- 
sented. 

"As  to  the  tradition  that  "  the  bell  to  call 
the  people  was  hung  in  the  crotch  of  a  tree 
close  by ;"  if  this  were  ever  the  case,  it  could 
only  have  been  a  temporary  arrangement,  and 
while  repairs  were  making  to  the  tower,  on 
which  the  bells,- for  there  were  two,  usually 
hung.  Our  reasons  for  this  opinion  are  these : 
— in  1708,  November  9th,  there  is  mention 
made  in  the  Cash  Book  of  "  four  cedar  posts 
to  support  the  belfry ;"  in  1709,  April  5th,  of 
"2250  bricks  for  belfry;"  in  April,  1717,  a 
proposition  is  laid  before  the  vestry  to  erect  a 
steeple;  in  1712  the  "little  bell"  and  "great 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

bell"  are  mentioned ;  and  in  1720,  May  30th, 
at  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  "  the  belfry  being 
so  much  decayed,  the  clerk  is  ordered  not  to 
ring  or  toll  the  great  bell."  In  August  of  the 
same  year,  1720,  the  vestry  "  resolved  that  it  is 
expedient  to  enlarge  the  Church,  build  a  tower, 
and  purchase  a  set  of  bells."  This  was  the 
first  step  towards  erecting  the  present  edifice. 
In  1717,  the  Governor  "  erected  a  spacious 
pew  right  before  the  altar,  and  paid  five  pounds 
per  annum,  for  the  same;"  another  circum- 
stance which  strengthens  the  opinion  that  the 
old  Church,  though  much  inferior  to  the  present, 
was  of  a  respectable  size  for  those  days.  One 
other  fact  and  I  dismiss  this  point.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1723,  I  find  on  the  minutes  of  the  vestry, 
an  address  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  in  which 
is  the  following  sentence  :  "  It  is  now  about 
twenty-eight  years  since  the  foundation  of  an 
English  Church,  by  a  very  few  of  her  commu- 
nion, was  first  laid  in  this  city ;  since  which, 
by  the  blessing  of  God,  the  congregation  has  so 
increased,  that  two  additions  have  been  made 
thereto."  It  appears  from  the  above  extract 
that  the  Church  mentioned  therein,  was  erected 

2 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

in  1695,  and  that  it  was  the  first  building 
twice  enlarged.  It  must,  however,  have  been 
an  edifice  of  very  moderate  size,  for  when 
enlarged  in  1711,  it  contained  only  forty-two 
pews,  the  annual  rent  of  which  was  about  450 
dollars. 

Although  in  1720  the  vestry  resolved  that  it 
was  expedient  to  "  enlarge  the  Church,  build  a 
tower,  and  purchase  a  set  of  bells,"  yet  nothing 
further  was  done  until  April  15th,  1727,  when 
it  was  again  resolved,  that  the  Church  being  too 
small,  an  addition  of  thirty-three  feet  be  made 
to  the  west  end ;  and  also  a  foundation  for  a 
tower  and  steeple. 

Thomas  Makin,  who  was  master  of  a  latin 
school  in  this  city,  has  left  a  poetical  descrip- 
tion of  Philadelphia,  in  latin,  written  in  1729, 
which  has  been  translated  by  Proud,  and  may 
be  found  in  his  History  of  Pennsylvania.*  The 
following  allusion  is  made  to  Christ  Church, 
while  yet  in  an  unfinished  state : — 

"  Five  houses  here  for  sacred  use  are  known, 
Another  stands  not  far  without  the  town. 
Of  these  appears  one  in  a  grander  style, 
But  yet  unfinished  is  the  lofty  pile. 

•Froud's  History,  vol.  ii.  p.  371. 


INTRODUCTION.  15 

A  lofty  tower  is  founded  on  this  ground, 
For  future  bells  to  make  a  distant  sound." 

We  think  the  translator  has  hardly  done 
justice  to  the  latin  original ;  but  if  there  is  not 
much  poetry  in  the  above  extract,  there  are 
several  interesting  facts  which  will  gratify  most 
of  our  readers.  Of  the  five  houses  of  worship 
within  the  city,  in  1729,  that  of  Christ  Church, 
with  its  new  addition,  was  considered  the  most 
elegant. 

The  work  of  enlarging  was  now  commenced 
in  good  earnest,  under  the  superintendence  of 
Dr.  John  Kearsley,  who  for  many  years  after, 
proved  himself  a  devoted  friend  of  the  Church ; 
taking  an  active  interest  in  all  its  concerns ; 
and  at  his  death,  in  1772,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  88  years,  leaving  the  bulk  of  his  pro- 
perty to  found  that  noble  charity  which,  agree- 
ably to  his  will,  is  named  "Christ  Church 
Hospital."  The  laying  of  the  corner  st6ne  of 
the  new  addition  to  the  Church,  which  now 
forms  the  western  end  of  the  present  venerable 
structure,  is  thus  noticed  in  a  Journal  of  that 
day :  "  April  28th,  1 727.  Yesterday  the  Hon 
P.  Gordon,  our  Governor,  with   the  Mayor, 


16  INTRODUCTION. 

Recorder,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings,  our 
minister,  and  sundry  gentlemen,  laid  the  first 
stone  of  the  additional  building  designed  to  be 
made  to  the  Church  of  this  city."  This  addi- 
tion was  not  completed  until  March,  1731 ;  at 
which  time  the  old  part  of  the  Church  is  repre- 
sented as  in  a  "  ruinous"  state.  At  a  meeting 
of  the  vestry  then  held,  the  pulpit  was  ordered 
to  be  moved  further  forward,  so  as  better  to 
accommodate  the  occupants  of  the  new  por- 
tion of  the  Church.  In  the  following  year, 
May,  1732,  a  pew  is  made  for  the  Governor 
on  the  spot  where  the  pulpit  stood,  and  the  one 
fronting  the  chancel,  which  had  been  erected 
in  1717,  was  taken  away.  With  this  large 
addition  to  the  Church  of  thirty-three  feet, 
there  were,  in  all,  only  sixty-seven  pews,  and 
the  annual  rent  was  fixed  at  £158.  13s. 
The  front  pews  in  the  new  gallery  were 
assessed  at  £3.  each,  and  the  back  pews  at 
£2.  8s.  each. 

There  are  no  minutes  of  the  vestry  from 
October,  1732,  to  April  1735,  nor  from  July, 
1737,  to  April,  1740;  and  it  does  not  appear 
when  the  eastern  end  of  the  present  building 


INTRODUCTION.  17 

was  commenced;  most  probably  in  1735.  In 
April,  1740,  mention  is  made  of  the  "  finishing 
the  Church,"  as  still  in  progress ;  and  in  July 
of  that  year  it  was  "  Resolved  that  the  pulpit 
be  removed  to  the  east  end  of  the  middle  aisle 
of  the  Church."  In  August,  1744,  "  the  Church 
is  happily  finished,"  and  in  October  of  the  same 
year  the  vestry  pass  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Dr. 
Kearsley  for  his  indefatigable  zeal  in  conduct- 
ing the  new  Church  to  a  completion.  It  appears 
that  for  the  building,  erected  "  at  two  several 
times,"  commenced  in  1727  and  finished  in 
1744,  Dr.  Kearsley  had  expended  £2,197; 
but  it  does  not  appear  whether  this  was  the 
whole  cost  of  the  building  thus  far. 

In  1745,  it  was  "  moved  that  a  steeple  be 
erected  in  order  to  have  a  ring  of  bells."  A 
plan  of  a  tower  and  spire  was  drawn  by  Mr. 
Harrison  and  agreed  upon.  In  May  1747,  the 
vestry  vote  their  thanks  and  a  present  of  plate 
of  the  value  of  £40.  to  Dr.  Kearsley,  for  his 
services  "in  building  and  ornamenting  this 
Church."  Nothing  further  was  done  about  the 
steeple  until  1751,  when  a  resolution  was  again 
passed  to  build  a  steeple  and  provide  bells. 

2* 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

To  aid  in  this  object  a  lottery  was  formed, 
and  Benjamin  Franklin  was  appointed  one  of 
the  Managers.  "  It  was  called  a  '  scheme  to 
raise  £1012.  10s.,  being  half  the  sum  required 
to  finish  the  steeple  to  Christ  Church,  and  to 
purchase  a  ring  of  bells  and  a  clock.'  The 
lottery  was  drawn  in  March,  1753.  As  it  was 
deemed  a  Philadelphia  ornament,  it  was  appro- 
priately enough  called  '  the  Philadelphia  steeple 
lottery.'  The  managers,  therefore,  say,  'we 
hope  that  a  work  of  this  kind,  which  is  purely 
ornamental,  will  meet  with  encouragement  from 
all  well-wishers  to  the  credit,  beauty  and  pros- 
perity of  Philadelphia."*  The  money  raised  by 
this  lottery  being  found  insufficient,  although 
£1000.  had  been  previously  obtained  by  sub- 
scriptions, a  second  lottery  was  instituted,  for 
the  same  amount  as  the  first,  and  drawn  in 
May,  1753.  By  means  of  these  funds  the 
steeple  was  partially  finished,  and  the  ring  of 
bells  placed  within  the  tower  in  1754.  In 
August,  1755,  the  money  already  disbursed  on 
account  of  the  steeple  was  £3,162. 9s.  lid.,  and 

*  Watson's  Annals,  p.  331. 


INTRODUCTION.  19 

it  was  not  yet  completed.  It  was  probably 
finished  very  shortly  after  this  time  ;  and  thus 
the  edifice  remained,  without  any  considerable 
change,  until  the  year  1836,  when  the  old 
pews  and  galleries  were  removed  and  replaced 
by  new  ones,  so  as  to  correspond  with  what 
seems  to  have  been  the  original  design  of  the 
architect;  and  it  is  now  regarded  as  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  and  commodious  Churches 
in  our  country. 


HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


CHRIST    CHURCH, 


PHILADELPHIA. 


WE  HAVE  THOUGHT  OF  THY  LOVING  KINDNESS,  O  GOD,  IN  THE 
MIDST  OF  THY  TEMPLE.      PSALM,  XLVIII.  9. 


HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


OF 


CHRIST  CHURCH,  PHILADELPHIA. 


Having  given  in  the  introduction  a  brief 
sketch  of  Christ  Church,  from  its  first  founda- 
tion until  the  present  time,  we  shall  now  take 
up  the  most  interesting  events  connected  with 
its  history,  in  their  chronological  order. 

1695. 

The  first  building  in  Philadelphia,  known  as 
Christ  Church,  was  erected  this  year.  It  must 
have  been,  as  appears  from  the  preceding 
account,  a  goodly  structure  for  those  days  ;  for 
it  was  of  brick,  with  galleries,  and  large  enough 
to  accommodate  more  than  500  persons,  who 
usually  assembled  there,  as  early  as  1702. 
That  it  was  somewhat  inferior  to  the  old 
Swedish  Wicaco  church,  Gloria  Dei,  in  South- 
wark,  which  was  built  in  1700,  only  five 
years  after  the  first  Christ  Church,  would 
appear  from  the  following  representation  of  the 


24  >     HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

former  building,  made  by  the  Swedish  clergy- 
man, in  one  of  his  letters  written  about  that 
time.  "  Thus  through  God's  blessing,  we  have 
completed  the  great  work,  and  built  two  fine 
churches,  Wicaco  and  Christiana,  superior 
to  any  built  in  this  country,  particularly  that  at 
Christiana;  so  that  the  English  themselves, 
who  now  govern  this  province,  and  are  beyond 
measure  richer  than  we  are,  wonder  at  what 
we  have  done."* 

Watson  in  his  Annalst  tells  us  that  the  first 
Christ  Church  edifice  was  "built  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clayton."  "  We 
know,"  he  says,  "  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clayton 
was  first  in  charge  of  it,  from  the  book  of 
the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  who  has  therein 
left  us  the  record  of  his  letter  to  the  Baptists 
in  Philadelphia  of  the  year  1698."  How  long 
Mr.  Clayton  continued  the  minister  of  Christ 
Church  we  have  not  been  able  to  learn  ;  that  he 
was  Dr.  Evans's  predecessor,  appears  from 
Keith's  Journal,  which  we  shall  presently  quote. 

1700. 

The  Rev.  Evan  Evans  was  sent  over  mis- 
sionary to  Philadelphia  by  the  Right  Rev.  the 
Lord  Bishop  of  London,  Dr.  Compton,  as  he 

*  Clay's  Annals  of  the  Swedes,  p.  83.  t  Page  325. 


OP   CHRIST    CHURCH.  25 

informs  us  in  a  letter  written  on  his  return  to 
London  in  the  year  1707.*  Mr.  Evans  con- 
tinued in  charge  of  the  church,  with  occasional 
intermissions,  for  eighteen  years ;  and  appears 
to  have  been  eminently  successful  in  his  labours. 
The  following  account  of  his  ministerial  ser- 
vices is  taken  from  Humphreys's  History  of  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts. 

"  The  Swedes  and  Dutch,  settled  in  this  pro- 
vince, (Pennsylvania,)  had  some  ministers 
among  them,  but  the  English  had  none,  till  the 
year  1700,  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  was  sent 
over  to  Philadelphia  by  Bishop  Compton,  but 
after  the  Church  of  England  service  began  to 
be  performed,  a  very  numerous  congregation 
attended  the  public  worship,  consisting  chiefly 
of  great  numbers  of  persons,  who  a  few  years 
before  had  separated  from  the  Foxian  Quakers, 
and  now  joined  entirely  with  the  Church  of 
England  members.  They  increased  so  fast 
that  in  two  years  time  there  were  above  five 
hundred  persons  who  frequented  the  Church. 
They  petitioned  to  his  late  majesty,  King  Wil- 
liam, for  some  stipend  for  their  minister,  and 
his  majesty  was  pleased  to  allow  fifty  pounds 
sterling  to  their  minister,  and  thirty  pounds  to 

*  See  this  letter  in  the  Epis.  Mag.  vol.  i.p.  17. 

3 


26  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

a  school-master  at  Philadelphia.  The  people 
have  several  times  made  application  for  some 
salary  to  their  minister,  from  this  Society,  but 
never  had  any;  because  there  were  many 
poorer  settlements  in  this  country,  which 
claimed  the  Society's  help. 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  being  thus  supported 
by  the  royal  bounty,  and  the  liberal  contribu- 
tion of  his  hearers,  was  very  diligent  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty,  and  through  God's  bless- 
ing very  successful.  A  great  number  of  per- 
sons of  various  opinions,  not  only  in  Philadelphia 
the  metropolis  of  this  country,  but  of  the  adja- 
cent parts,  began  to  see  their  errors,  and 
embraced  the  Church  of  England  worship. 
The  frequent  resort  of  people  of  the  better  con- 
dition, from  all  the  remote  parts  of  the  country, 
to  that  capital  town,  gave  them  an  opportunity 
of  hearing  Mr.  Evans,  and  being  informed  in 
the  doctrines  of  the  Church  of  England.  A 
hearty  love  and  zeal  for  religion  spread  so  wide, 
that  there  arose  soon  several  congregations  in 
other  parts  of  the  country.  Mr.  Evans  was 
forced  to  divide  his  labours  among  them,  as 
often  as  he  conveniently  could,  till  they  might 
be  formed  into  proper  districts,  and  have  min- 
isters sent  over  to  them. 

"Mr.   Evans   used  to   preach  two  evening 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  "HW 

lectures  at  Philadelphia;  one  preparatory  to 
the  holy  Sacrament,  on  the  last  Sunday  of  the 
month ;  the  other  to  a  society  of  young  men 
who  met  together  every  Lord's  Day,  after 
evening  prayer,  to  read  the  scripture  and  sing 
psalms.  Mr.  Evans  was  always  present  at 
these  meetings,  unless  hindered  by  some  public 
service,  and  used  to  read  some  select  prayers 
out  of  the  Church  Liturgy,  and  preach  upon 
subjects  to  an  audience  of  young  men.  There 
arose  an  unforeseen  advantage  from  the  lec- 
tures, for  not  only  the  young  men  who  design- 
edly met  were  improved,  but  a  great  many 
young  persons,  who  dared  not  appear  in  the 
day  time,  at  the  public  service  of  the  Church, 
for  fear  of  disobliging  their  parents  or  masters, 
would  stand  under  the  Church  windows  at  night 
and  hearken ;  at  length  many  of  them  took 
up  a  resolution  to  leave  the  sects  they  had  fol- 
lowed, desired  baptism,  and  became  stedfast  in 
the  communion  of  the  Church.  Several  ac- 
counts from  Mr.  Keith  and  Mr.  Talbot  acquaint 
that  Mr.  Evans  baptized  in  Philadelphia,  and 
the  adjoining  parts,  above  eight  hundred  per- 
sons,"* 

This  Mr.  George  Keith  had  formerly  been  a 
public  Friend,  of  great  note  and  influence,  in 

*Humphreys's  Historical  Account,  p.  144-151. 


28  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Philadelphia.  He  was  a  native  of  Aberdeen, 
in  Scotland ;  a  man  of  learning,  and  was  the 
first  master  of  the  Friends'  Public  School  in 
this  city,  in  1689.*  Thomas  Makin  was  his 
usher,  and  succeeded  him  in  the  school.  Keith 
had  been  an  eminent  preacher  and  writer 
among  the  quakers  for  many  years,  but  hav- 
ing renounced  his  quaker  principles,  he  re- 
ceived orders  in  the  church  of  England,  and 
was  sent  over  by  the  society  for  the  propa- 
gation of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  as  an 
itinerant  missionary  through  the  British  Pro- 
vinces of  North  America.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Talbot,  who  accompanied  him  as  his  associate 
in  his  labours,  was  afterwards  the  first  minister 
at  Burlington,  New  Jersey.  The  journal  of 
their  tour,  through  all  the  colonies  from  New 
Hampshire  to  North  Carolina,  kept  by  Mr. 
Keith,  and  transmitted  to  the  Society,  affords 
an  interesting  account  of  the  early  Church  in 
this  country.  "  In  Pennsylvania,"  we  are  told, 
"  a  great  number  of  separatist  quakers,  or 
Keithians,  who  had  separated  from  the  body  of 
quakers  in  the  years  1691  and  1692,  had  quite 
relinquished  quaker  principles,  and  joined 
themselves  to  the  Church  of  England  members 
at  Philadelphia;  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Evans, 
who  had  been  sent  thither  by  the  Bishop  of 

*  Proud's  His.  of  Pennsylvania,  vol.  i.  pp.  345. 363. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  29 

London,  had  now  a  very  numerous  congrega- 
tion. These  people  when  they  saw  Mr.  Keith, 
who  had  been  the  chief  instrument  and  occasion 
of  their  forsaking  the  quaker  errors,  coming 
again  among  them,  and  in  the  character  of  a 
minister  of  the  Church  of  England,  they  ex- 
pressed great  joy  and  satisfaction  to  hear  him 
preach  what  tended  to  their  farther  confirma- 
tion in  the  Christian  faith.  Mr.  Evans,  the 
minister  of  Philadelphia,  acquainted  him  that 
he  had  baptized  above  five  hundred  men,  wo- 
men, and  children,  quakers,  in  Pennsylvania 
and  West  Jersey."* 

The  above  is  from  Humphreys's  History. 
We  shall  now  give  some  extracts  from  Keith's 
Journal,t  published  in  London  in  1706,  which 
we  doubt  not  will  be  read  with  interest  by  all 
who  are  desirous  of  acquiring  accurate  know- 
ledge of  the  state  of  the  Church  here  in  those 
days. 

"  The  twenty-eighth  day  of  April,  1702,  I 
sailed  from  Cowes  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  in  one 
of  the  Queen's  ships,  called  the  Centurion, 
whereof  Captain  Heme  was  commander,  who 
was  very  civil  to  me,  bound  for  Boston  in  New 
England ;  and  by  the  good  providence  of  God, 

*  Humphreys's  Historical  Account,  p.  145. 

t  This  Journal  is  in  No.  478,  quarto,  Philadelphia  Library. 

3* 


30  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

we  arrived  at  Boston  the  eleventh  day  of  June, 
our  whole  time  of  passage  being  six  weeks  and 
one  day." 

"  By  the  advice  of  my  good  friends  at  Bos- 
ton, and  especially  of  Colonel  Joseph  Dudley, 
Governor  of  Boston  colony,  I  chose  the  Rev. 
Mr.  John  Talbot,  who  had  been  chaplain  in 
the  Centurion,  to  be  my  assistant  and  associate 
in  my  missionary  travels  and  services,  he  hav- 
ing freely  and  kindly  offered  himself,  and  whom 
I  freely  and  kindly  received,  and  with  the  first 
occasion  I  wrote  to  the  Society,  praying  them 
to  allow  of  him  to  be  my  fellow  companion  and 
associate  in  travels,  &c,  which  they  accord- 
ingly did;  and  indeed  divine  Providence  did 
well  order  it,  for  he  proved  a  very  loving  and 
faithful  associate  to  me,  and  was  very  helpful 
to  me  in  all  respects,  and  was  well  approved 
and  esteemed  everywhere,  both  with  respect  to 
his  preaching  and  living,  in  the  several  places 
where  we  travelled." 

"  1702.  November  1,  Sunday.  We  preached 
in  the  Town-house,  at  Burlington,  in  West 
Jersey,  (the  Church  not  being  then  built,)  and 
we  had  a  great  auditory  of  diverse  sorts,  some 
of  the  Church,  and  some  of  the  late  converts 
from  quakerism.  Mr.  Talbot  preached  before 
noon,  and  I  in  the  afternoon.    My  text  was 


OF     CHRIST    CHURCH.  31 

John  xvii.  3.  Col.  Hamilton,  then  governor  of 
West  Jersey,  was  present  both  forenoon  and 
afternoon,  and  at  his  invitation  we  dined  with 
him." 

"  November  5.  We  arrived  at  Philadelphia, 
and  were  kindly  received  by  the  two  ministers* 
there,  and  the  church  people,  and  especially  by 
the  late  converts  from  quakerism,  who  were 
become  zealous  members  of  the  church." 

"  November  8,  Sunday.  I  preached  in  the 
church  of  Philadelphia,  at  the  minister's  request, 
on  2d  Peter  iii.  15, 16,  in  the  afternoon.  Mr. 
Talbot  preached  there  in  the  forenoon.  And 
again  I  preached  another  sermon,  on  the  same, 
that  evening  at  six  o'clock,  it  being  usual  once 
a  month  to  preach  an  evening  sermon  in  that 
town.  We  had  a  very  good  auditory,  so  that 
the  church  could  not  contain  them,  but  many 
stayed  without  and  heard." 

Mr.  Keith  and  Mr.  Talbot  visited  New  York 
and  the  neighbouring  churches  a  second  time, 
and  then  returned  to  Philadelphia  in  January, 
where  they  remained  several  months. 

"1702-3.  January  17,  Sunday.  I  preached 
at  Philadelphia,  on  John  iii.  5,  in  the  forenoon, 
and  Mr.  Talbot  preached  in  the  afternoon.     I 

*  The  Rev.  John  Thomas  was  Mr.  Evans's  assistant. 


32  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

preached  again  on  the  same  text  an  evening 
sermon,  that  began  after  the  sixth  hour,  at 
night." 

"  January  24,  Sunday.  I  preached  at  Phila- 
delphia, on  Mat.  v.  17,  both  in  the  forenoon  and 
afternoon ;  Mr.  Evans,  the  minister  of  Philadel- 
v  phia,  having  that  day  been  at  Chester  in  Penn- 
sylvania, to  accompany  Mr.  Talbot,  who  was 
to  preach  there  the  first  sermon  in  the  church 
after  it  was  built." 

From  April  to  August  these  missionaries 
travelled  through  Delaware,  Maryland  and 
Virginia,  as  far  as  North  Carolina,  and  returned 
to  Philadelphia  August  4th.  They  continued 
to  preach  here,  and  in  the  vicinity,  until  the 
April  following. 

We  give  a  few  more  extracts  from  Mr. 
Keith's  Journal. 

"  1703,  August  8.  Mr.  Talbot  preached  in 
the  forenoon  at  Philadelphia,  and  I  preached 
there  in  the  afternoon,  on  2d  Cor.  xii.  9." 

"  August  22,  Sunday.  I  preached  at  the 
new  church  at  Burlington,  on  2d  Sam.  xxiii.  3, 
4.  My  Lord  Cornbury  was  present,  and  many 
gentlemen  who  accompanied  him,  both  from 
New  York  and  the  two  Jerseys,  having  had  his 
commission  to  be  governor  of  West  and  East 
Jersey  read  at  the  town-house  there  some  days 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  33 

before.  It  was  the  first  sermon  that  was  preach- 
ed in  that  church." 

"September  21,  Tuesday.  I  preached  at 
Philadelphia  on  Jude  3.  This  week  being  the 
time  of  the  quakers'  yearly  meeting  in  Philadel- 
phia, the  minister  of  Philadelphia,  the  reverend 
Mr.  Evans,  with  the  consent  of  the  vestry,  hav- 
ing agreed  together  with  us,  to  have  both 
prayers  and  sermons  at  the  church  in  Philadel- 
phia, all  the  days  that  the  quakers  had  their 
meetings  in  that  week,  which  used  to  continue 
three  days ;  there  happens  commonly  in  that 
week  to  be  a  great  concourse  of  people  at  Phil- 
adelphia, not  only  of  quakers,  but  also  of  many 
others,  as  at  some  great  fair." 

"  1704,  April  2,  Sunday.  I  preached  at 
Philadelphia,  on  John  iv.  24,  being  my  last  ser- 
mon I  preached  there." 

"  After  my  return  from  East  Jersey  to  Phil- 
adelphia, about  the  middle  of  February,  1703-4, 
for  the  space  of  six  weeks  I  remained  mostly  at 
Philadelphia,  and  was  very  kindly  and  hospita- 
bly entertained  by  Mr.  Joshua  Carpenter,  at 
his  house,  where  I  lodged  all  that  time,  until  I 
began  my  journey  from  Philadelphia  towards 
Virginia,  to  take  passage  for  my  return  to 
England." 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Evan  Evans,  the  minister  of 


34  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  church  of  England  congregation  at  Philadel- 
phia, informed  me,  that  (beside  the  considerable 
number  of  converts  to  the  church  from  quaker- 
ism,  that  the  former  minister,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Clayton  had  baptized,)  by  his  account,  since  he 
was  minister  there,  he  had  baptized  of  men, 
women,  and  children,  in  Pennsylvania  and  West 
Jersey,  of  English  and  Welsh,  about  five  hun- 
dred;  many,  or  most  of  them,  having  been 
quakers,  and  the  children  of  quakers,  and  qua- 
kerly  affected ;  and  besides  these,  many  who 
had  left  quakerism,  and  had  joined  to  the  church 
had  been  baptized  in  infancy,  not  having  been 
born  of  quaker  parents." 

"  In  Pennsylvania,  where  there  was  but  one 
church  of  England  congregation  settled,  to  wit, 
at  Philadelphia,  and  even  that  but  of  few  years 
standing,  at  our  arrival  there  ;  there  are  now, 
blessed  be  G  od,  five  church  of  England  congre- 
gations supplied  with  ministers,  and  who  have 
convenient  churches,  where  the  people  assemble 
constantly  every  Lord's  day  to  the  prayers  and 
sermons,  and  where  the  holy  sacraments  are 
duly  administered,  according  to  the  church  of 
England.  The  places  in  Pennsylvania  where 
these  churches  are  set  up,  are,  the  first,  Phila- 
delphia; the  second,  Chester  or  Upland;  the 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  35 

third,  Frankfort,  alias  Oxford ;  the  fourth,  New- 
castle ;  the  fifth,  Apoquimene. 

"  At  Philadelphia,  they  have  prayers  in  the 
church,  not  only  on  the  Lord's  days,  and  other 
holy  days,  but  all  Wednesdays  and  Fridays 
weekly,  and  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper 
administered  monthly,  and  the  number  of  the 
communicants  considerable.  The  church  is 
commonly  well  filled  with  people  every  Lord's 
day  ;  and  when  they  are  fully  assembled,  both  of 
the  town  and  country  that  belong  to  that  con- 
gregation, they  may  well  be  reckoned,  by 
modest  computation,  to  amount  to  five  hundred 
persons  of  hearers.  But  sometimes  there  are 
many  more ;  and  generally  the  converts  from 
quakerism  are  good  examples,  both  for  fre- 
quenting the  church  prayers,  and  frequent  par- 
taking of  the  Lord's  supper,  with  zeal  and 
devotion,  and  also  of  sober  and  virtuous  living 
in  their  daily  conversation." 

The  good  old  custom  of  having  prayers  in 
the  church  on  all  holy  days,  and  on  Wednes- 
days and  Fridays,  throughout  the  year,  is 
(1841,)  still  preserved.  The  attendance  on 
such  occasions  is  usually  very  good.  It  were 
to  be  wished,  however,  that  more  of  the  con- 
gregation would  unite  in  keeping  up  a  pious 
practice,  which  has  existed  here  at  least  a 
hundred  and  thirty  years. 


36  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1707. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  went  to  England  this 
year,  upon  private  concerns.  "During  his 
absence,"  says  Humphreys,  "  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Rudman,  a  worthy  Swedish  clergyman,  who 
had  officiated  among  his  countrymen  in  these 
parts  for  several  years,  took  care  of  his  cure  in 
Philadelphia."  Mr.  Rudman,  as  we  are  inform- 
ed by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clay  in  his  Annals  of  the 
Swedes,*  "continued  to  officiate  in  Christ 
Church  until  his  death,  which  took  place  on  the 
17th  of  September,  a.  d.  1708,  aged  forty 
years.  His  remains  lie  beneath  the  chancel  in 
the  Wicaco  church.  He  appears  to  have  been 
much  beloved  by  the  Swedes  of  that  period, 
and  their  descendants  will  long  hold  in  grateful 
remembrance  his  self-denial  and  faithfulness  as 
a  minister  of  Christ." 

1709. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  returned  to  Philadel- 
phia, and  continued  as  before  very  diligent  in 
his  duty.  His  labours  were  not  confined  to 
the  city,  but  extended  to  places  forty  and  sixty 
miles  distant  from  Philadelphia.  Wherever  he 
went  he  baptized  many  persons ;  and  one  in- 

*  Annals  of  the  Swedes,  p.  87. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  37 

stance  is  mentioned  of  his  baptizing  "  a  whole 
family  of  quakers,  to  the  number  of  fifteen." 

On  his  return  from  England,  the  early  part 
of  this  year,  he  probably  brought  out  the  set  of 
communion  plate,  which  was  presented  by 
Queen  Ann  to  Christ  Church  in  1708;  the 
same  which  is  now  used  at  every  administra- 
tion of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

In  the  records  which  have  been  preserved, 
we  find  incidental  mention  made  this  year  of 
the  "  minister's  house"  and  "  school  house,"  as 
the  property  of  the  church.  There  are  also 
charges  on  the  cash  book  for  "  bricks  for  the 
belfry,"  "  new  rope  for  the  bell,"  and  "  bricks 
for  making  the  horse  block." 

The  bell  was  presented  to  the  church  in 
1702,  and  is  now  in  the  belfry  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  having  been  placed  there  soon  after 
that  church  was  erected. 

1711. 

The  church  being  found  too  small  to  accom- 
modate the  increasing  congregation,  was  this 
year  enlarged.  Among  the  subscribers  to  this 
object  we  find  the  names  of  the  honourable 
Charles  Gookin,  for  £30.  and  the  honourable 
Robert  Quarry  for  £20.  The  addition  must 
have   been   a   considerable  one,  inasmuch  as 

4 


38  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

37,000  bricks  were  used  for  that  purpose,  and 
the  whole  expense  was  £359.  3s.  8d.  The 
subscriptions  amounted  to  £221.  9s.  3d.,  and 
the  additional  pews  sold  for  £90.  Some  of  the 
pews  in  the  galleries  were  assessed  at  £2.  10s. 
each. 

While  the  church  was  being  enlarged,  the 
congregation,  "  although  the  Presbyterians  of- 
fered them  the  use  of  their  church,  asked  to 
be  permitted  to  worship  in  Wicaco  church, 
which  was  granted  them  for  three  successive 
Sundays."*  From  this  and  other  circumstan- 
ces there  appears  to  have  been  great  harmony 
between  the  Swedish  and  English  congrega- 
tions. They  mutually  officiated  in  each  others 
churches,  and  "  on  solemn  occasions,"  says  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Sandel,  a  Swedish  clergyman,  "  as  at 
the  laying  of  corner  stones  of  churches,  the 
English  have  always  invited  us,  and  conducted 
themselves  as  friends  to  our  church."t 

1712. 

In  this  year  the  first  mention  is  made  of  "  the 
little  bell,"  and  "  great  bell ;"  and  we  are  pleas- 
ed to  find  a  "  surplice"  spoken  of,  as  it  goes  far 
to  show  that,  from  the  very  first,  "  all  things 
were  done  decently  and  in  order."    Col.  Robert 

*  Annals  of  the  Swedes,  p.  103.  +  Ibid. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  39 

Quarry  now  presented  the  church  with  a  large 
silver  flagon,  and  two  silver  plates,  for  the 
communion,  and  a  large  silver  basin  for  the 
baptismal  font ;  the  aggregate  value  of  which 
must  have  been  nearly  two  hundred  dollars. 
These  vessels  are  all  inscribed  with  the  donor's 
name  and  the  date,  Oct.  8,  1712,  when  pre- 
sented. 

1715. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  again  went  to  England 
"  upon  account  of  some  family  concerns ;"  and 
on  his  return  to  America  in  the  year  1716,  the 
society  appointed  him  missionary  to  Oxford 
and  Radnor,  Welsh  settlements,  being  then 
vacant.  "  He  undertook  that  cure,"  says  the 
historian  of  the  society,  "  for  two  years,  and 
discharged  it  with  diligence,  to  the  great  ad- 
vantage of  the  people,  and  much  to  his  own 
credit."* 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot,  of  Burlington,  seems 
to  have  officiated  during  Mr.  Evans's  absence 
in  England,  as  "  the  box  money"  is  appropri- 
ated to  him. 

1717. 

The  appointment  of  Mr.  Evans  to  the  cure 

♦Humphreys's  Historical  Account,  p.  151. 


40  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

of  Oxford  and  Radnor,  two  churches  which  he 
himself  had  gathered,  appears  not  to  have  inter- 
fered with  his  duties  in  Christ  Church. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  minutes  of 
the  vestry  will  show  that  he  was  still  the  min- 
ister here,  and  that  he  was  greatly  esteemed  and 
beloved  by  his  people. 

April  22.  "  Being  Easter-Monday,  the  con- 
gregation of  Christ  Church  in  Philadelphia  being 
met  after  divine  service,  they  proceeded  accord- 
ing to  custom  to  electing  church  wardens  and 
vestrymen  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev.  Doct. 
Evan  Evans,  minister,  being  present."  Then 
follow  the  names  of  the  two  wardens  and  twelve 
vestrymen  who  were  elected.  We  give  the 
above  extract  merely  because  it  is  the  first 
minute  of  the  vestry  which  has  come  down  to 
us.  From  this  period  the  records  are,  for  the 
most  part,  full,  clear,  and  uninterrupted,  until 
the  present  time. 

June  11.  The  seats  in  the  gallery  are  men- 
tioned, which  shows  that  the  original  building 
must  have  been  more  than  "  one  story"  high  ; 
and  in  the  February  following,  both  the  north 
gallery  and  the  west  gallery  are  named.  At 
this  meeting  it  was  "  Resolved,  that  a  form  of 
subscription  be  prepared  by  the  church  war- 
dens  towards   erecting   a   steeple   for  Christ 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  41 

Church."  It  was  further  "  Resolved,  that  the 
Rev.  Doctor  Evans  and  the  church  wardens  do 
wait  upon  his  honour  the  governor,  to  desire 
him  in  the  name  of  the  whole  vestry,  to  honour 
them  with  being  one  of  their  members."  Agree- 
ably to  this  request  the  governor  took  his  seat 
in  the  vestry,  and  for  more  than  two  years  was 
a  constant  attendant  on  all  their  meetings. 

1718. 

February  3.  The  following  appears  among 
the  minutes  of  this  day :  "  The  present  gover- 
nor has  been  pleased  at  a  considerable  charge, 
not  only  to  erect  a  spacious  pew  right  before 
the  altar,  to  be  appropriated  in  all  time  to  come 
for  the  conveniency  and  use  of  the  governor  and 
his  family  for  the  time  being ;  but  also  to  pro- 
mise and  voluntarily  agree  to  pay  the  yearly 
rent  of  five  pounds  per  annum  for  the  same,  to 
the  use  of  the  church."  At  that  time  the  floor 
of  the  church  was  probably  of  brick ;  as  we  find 
it  stated  in  the  cash  book  that  "  the  bricks 
were  taken  up  to  lay  the  foundation  of  the 
governor's  pew." 

"  The  vestry  considering  that  great  incon- 
veniences may  flow  from  allowing  all  persons 
promiscuously  to  vote  in  the  yearly  election  of 
vestries,  without  their  having  given  some  proof 

4* 


42  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

of  their  being  truly  of  the  communion  of  the 
church,  do  therefere  recommend  it  to  the  Doc- 
tor (Evans)  to  keep  a  faithful  list  of  all  such 
persons  as  come  yearly  to  the  communion  table, 
in  order  to  distinguish  them  from  such  others, 
as  either  never  have  communicated,  or  shall 
hereafter  fall  off  from  the  church  communion. 
And  that  two  Sundays  immediately  before  the 
election  of  any  vestry,  the  Doctor  will  please, 
after  the  divine  service,  to  cause  the  clerk  pub- 
licly to  read  the  above  minute  to  the  congrega- 
tion, certifying  to  all  persons  concerned,  that  it 
is  and  shall  be  hereafter  a  standing  order  of 
the  vestry  that  no  person  be  admitted  to  vote 
in  the  election  of  any  succeeding  vestry,  or  of 
the  church-wardens,  unless  it  be  made  to  ap- 
pear that  some  time  within  the  space  of  twelve 
months  before  such  election,  such  person  pre- 
tending to  vote,  actually  did  communicate  and 
receive  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper, 
according  to  the  rites  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land." 

February  15.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry, 
"Doctor  Evans  acquaints  the  board  that  he 
has  lately  received  a  letter  from  the  governor 
of  Maryland,  with  an  offer  of  a  living  there ; 
that  he  finds  himself  by  reason  of  age  and  other 
infirmities,  very  incapable  of  discharging  his 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  43 

cure  here  in  such  manner  as  the  same  ought  to 
be  discharged  ;  that  he  is  a  hearty  well-wisher 
to  this  church  and  people,  and  requests  that  the 
vestry  will  not  only  acquiesce  in  his  removal, 
but  that  they  will  think  of  proper  methods  for 
supplying  the  church  with  a  minister  or  minis- 
ters until  the  lord  bishop  of  London  shall  fill  the 
vacancy." 

The  vestry  accept  the  Doctor's  resignation, 
and  direct  the  churchwardens  "  without  loss  of 
time,  to  wait  on  all  the  members  of  the  church 
in  the  place,  who  are  able  and  willing  to  con- 
tribute for  the  use  and  benefit"  of  their  minis- 
ter, who,  they  say,  "justly  deserves  some  suit- 
able return  of  gratitude  from  a  congregation 
over  which  he  had  so  long  presided." 

He  had  been  minister  of  Christ  Church  since 
1700,  a  period  of  eighteen  years.  Shortly  after 
his  removal  to  Maryland  he  died  ;  "  with  this 
general  character,  that  he  had  been  a  faithful 
missionary,  and  had  proved  a  great  instrument 
towards  settling  religion  and  the  church  of 
England  in  those  wild  countries."* 

March  11.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  held 
this  day,  the  Hon.  William  Keith,  Lieut.  Gov- 
ernor, being  present,  was  "  unanimously  chosen 

*  Humphreys's  Historical  Account,  p.  151. 


44  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

chairman ;"  and  it  was  resolved  that  the  gover- 
nor be  respectfully  requested  to  inform  the 
bishop  of  London  of  "  the  unhappy  condition 
of  the  church  in  this  place  for  a  long  time  past, 
for  want  of  an  able  and  sufficient  school-mas- 
ter to  educate  our  children ;"  and  "  that  his 
lordship  will  be  pleased  earnestly  to  solicit  his 
most  sacred  majesty  for  obtaining  the  contin- 
uance of  the  royal  bounty,  formerly  granted  to 
the  minister  and  school-master  of  this  place ; 
assuring  his  lordship  that  we  will  use  our  utmost 
endeavours  to  raise  such  supplies  by  way  of 
addition  thereto  as  shall  give  a  most  decent 
and  fitting  encouragement  to  the  persons  with 
whom  his  lordship  shall  be  pleased  to  fill  up 
these  vacancies." 

April  3.  "The  governor  acquainted  the 
vestry  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot  of-Burlington, 
Mr.  Humphreys  of  Chester,  Mr.  Ross  of  New 
Castle,  and  Mr.  Sandel,  of  Wicaco,  had  been 
invited  by  him,  and  most  of  them  were  now  in 
town,  in  order  to  wait  on  this  vestry  and  receive 
their  proposals  for  supplying  the  vacancy  of 
this  church,  until  the  bishop  of  London's  plea- 
sure was  known." 

"  The  vestry  thereupon  recommended  it  to 
the  governor  to  concert  with  the  above  named 
clergymen  how  they  might  supply  this  vacancy 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  45 

with  conveniency  to  themselves,  and  the  least 
prejudice  to  their  respective  cures." 

An  arrangement  was  made  with  these  gen- 
tlemen for  supplying  the  church  for  several 
months,  and  a  liberal  compensation  was  voted 
them  by  the  vestry ;  but  they  declined  "  receiv- 
ing any  pecuniary  reward"  for  their  services. 

May  2.  "  The  church  wardens  are  required 
to  examine  into  and  take  a  catalogue  or  inven- 
tory of  the  library,  or  other  things  belonging  to 
the  church,  which  now  are  in  the  custody  of 
Doctor  Evans ;  and  also  to  give  notice  to  Mr. 
George  McCall,  tenant  of  the  parsonage-house, 
that  his  rent,  from  this  date,  is  to  be  paid  into 
their  hands,  for  the  use  of  the  church  during 
the  vacancy." 

June  2.  "A  representation  to  the  arch- 
bishops and  bishops  of  the  church  of  England 
was  presented  to  the  vestry  by  Doctor  Evans, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Talbot,"  of  Burlington, 
N.  J.,  which  was  read,  and  it  was  thereupon 
"ordered,  that  the  church  wardens  sign  the 
said  address  in  the  name  and  by  order  of  the 
vestry  of  Christ  Church  in  Philadelphia."  The 
address  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

"  To  the  most  reverend  fathers  in  God  the  arch-bishops 
and  the  right  reverend  the  bishops  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land: The  representation  and  humble  petition  of  many  of 


46  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  faithful  in  the  communion  of  the  Church  of  England 
in  North  America,  most  humbly  showeth  : 

"  That  whereas  the  British  colonies  and  settlements  in 
America  have  now  for  many  years  been  blessed  with  the 
pure  and  primitive  doctrine  and  worship  of  our  mother  the 
Church  of  England,  of  which  you  are  happily  at  this  day 
great  ornaments  and  prime  rulers ;  and  whereas  for  the 
want  of  Episcopacy  being  settled  among  us,  and  that  there 
never  has  been  any  bishop  sent  to  visit  us,  our  churches 
remain  unconsecrated,  our  children  grown  up  and  cannot 
be  confirmed,  their  sureties  under  solemn  engagements  and 
cannot  be  absolved,  and  ourclergy  sometimes  under  doubts 
and  cannot  be  resolved.  But  whereas  more  especially  for 
the  want  of  that  sacred  power  which  is  inherent  to  your 
apostolic  order,  the  vacancies  which  daily  happen  in  our 
ministry  cannot  be  supplied  for  a  long  time  from  England, 
whereby  many  congregations  are  not  only  become  desolate 
and  the  light  of  the  gospel  therein  extinguished,  but  great 
encouragement  is  thereby  given  to  sectaries  of  all  sorts, 
which  abound  and  increase  among  us,  and  some  of  them 
pretending  to  what  they  call  the  power  of  ordination,  the 
country  is  filled  with  fanatical  teachers,  debauching  the 
good  inclinations  of  many  poor  souls,  who  are  left  destitute 
of  any  instruction  or  ministry.  May  it  therefore  please 
your  lordships  in  your  great  piety  and  regard  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  church  by  bishops,  to  think  of  some  means 
whereby  these  our  sorrowful  complaints  and  grievous  mis- 
fortunes may  be  heard  and  redressed.  And  that  Almighty 
God  may  of  his  infinite  mercy  inspire  your  thoughts  and 
assist  your  pious  endeavours  to  accomplish  this  evidently 
necessary  and  religious  work,  is  the  most  earnest  and 
daily  prayer  of,  may  it  please  your  lordships, 

Your  lordships'  most  humble  petitioners, 

And  most  obedient  sons  and  servants." 


OF   CHRIST.CHURCH.  47 

In  April  following,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot  laid 
before  the  vestry  another  address  to  the  arch- 
bishops and  bishops  of  the  church  of  England, 
"  setting  forth  the  necessity  of  a  bishop  to  reside 
among  us  in  this  country,  which  was  signed  by 
all  the  members  present ;"  viz. :  the  governor, 
both  wardens  and  eight  vestrymen,  together 
with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot,  who  was  also  pre- 
sent. 

June  23.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  held 
this  day  it  was  "Resolved,  that  if  it  should 
happen  that  the  clergymen  who  are  to  serve 
the  church  during  this  vacancy  be  sick,  or 
should  not  come,  that  Mr.  Piper,  the  school- 
master, read  the  prayers  in  the  church,  and  for 
his  service  he  shall  be  rewarded  by  the  vestry 
for  the  time  being." 

September  23.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas 
Hughs,  from  Virginia,  offers  to  supply  the 
church,  until  the  bishop  of  London  can  be  heard 
from.  His  offer  is  gladly  accepted,  and  a  vote 
of  thanks  is  passed  to  the  clergymen  who  had 
so  kindly  rendered  their  services  in  keeping  the 
pulpit  supplied  since  Dr.  Evans  left.  Mr. 
Hughs  officiated  about  a  year. 

November  11.  Mr.  William  Skinner  is  sent 
out  by  the  bishop  of  London  to  take  charge  of 


48  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  school  belonging  to  Christ  Church,  and  is 
cordially  received  by  the  vestry. 

1719. 

May  15.  "  The  church  wardens  are  desired 
to  agree  with  Mr.  William  Robinson  for  a  plot 
of  ground  which  they  have  already  viewed  for 
a  burying  place,  and  to  collect  the  money  with 
all  convenient  speed."  The  title,  however, 
being  considered  doubtful,  a  lot  is  purchased  of 
Mr.  James  Steel.  This  is  the  burial  ground  in 
Arch  street,  corner  of  Fifth,  which  was  bought 
in  August  of  this  year,  and  must  have  been 
used  very  soon  after  as  a  place  of  interment, 
for  we  find  inscriptions  on  some  of  the  tomb- 
stones of  as  early  a  date  as  1720. 

September  4.  "  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Vicary 
laid  before  the  board  a  license  from  the  Right 
Rev.  Father  in  God,  John,  lord  bishop  of  Lon- 
don, appointing  him  minister  of  this  church. 
And  the  "  vestry,  being  well  pleased  with  his 
lordship's  care  therein,  heartily  concur  in  his 
lordship's  appointment,  and  accordingly  receive 
the  said  Mr.  Vicary  as  their  minister,  with  the 
respect  due  to  his  character  ;  always  acknow- 
ledging his  lordship's  unquestionable  authority 
over  our  church." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  49 

Mr.  Vicary  continued  in  charge  of  the  church 
for  three  years. 

1720. 

May  30.  The  belfry  appearing  to  be  so 
much  decayed  that  there  is  "danger  of  the 
great  bell  falling,  unless  speedily  repaired, 
the  church  wardens  are  desired  to  order  the 
clerk  not  to  ring  or  toll  said  bell  till  further 
orders." 

August  11.  The  vestry  pass  a  resolution 
that  it  is  expedient  that  "  a  voluntary  subscrip- 
tion" be  made  "  for  the  enlargement  of  the 
church,  the  building  of  a  tower,  and  the  pur- 
chasing a  set  of  bells."  Nothing  further  seems 
to  have  been  done  in  this  matter  until  May  4, 
1721,  when  the  book  for  subscription  towards 
a  new  church  was  brought  in  by  Robert  Asshe- 
ton,  and  was  signed  by  some  of  the  vestry 
present ;"  and  at  a  subsequent  meeting,  Robert 
Assheton  and  John  Kearsley  are  requested  to 
collect  one-fourth  part  of  the  money  already 
subscribed  towards  the  building  of  a  new 
church  and  steeple."  The  subject  however 
was  permitted  to  rest  for  six  years  longer ; 
until  1727,  when  the  present  building  was  com- 
menced. 


50  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1721. 

July  31.  The  vestry  being  informed  that 
the  governor  was  pleased  to  promise  a  charter 
of  incorporation  for  the  church,  a  petition  for 
that  purpose  was  prepared  by  the  minister  and 
church  wardens,  agreed  to  and  signed  by  all 
present,  and  ordered  to  be  presented  to  the 
governor.  His  excellency,  in  reply,  consented 
to  grant  their  request,  as  soon  as  a  charter 
could  be  prepared,  and  at  the  same  time 
"  assured  the  vestry  he  would  always  be  ready 
to  do  every  thing  in  his  power  for  promoting 
the  interest  of  this  church." 

1722. 

January  29.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Vicary  being 
unable  to  officiate,  in  consequence  of  ill  health, 
the  vestry  request  "  William  Assheton  to  read 
prayers  and  sermons  on  Sundays ;"  and  it  is 
"  ordered  that  the  church  wardens  wait  upon 
Mr.  Weyman  and  endeavour  to  prevail  with 
him  to  supply  this  church,  and  administer  the 
sacrament  the  first  Sunday  in  every  month." 
It  does  not  appear  that  Mr.  Vicary  ever  offici- 
ated after  this  period.  At  what  time  his  death 
occurred  is  uncertain,  probably  in  1723,  as  the 
event  is  alluded  to  in  a  letter  to  the  bishop  of 
London,  dated  December  of  that  year. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  51 

1723. 

The  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Vicary  was  temporarily  supplied  by 
the  Rev.  John  Urmston,  who  had  been  a  mis- 
sionary in  North  Carolina,  from  the  society  in 
England.  His  conduct,  however,  was  such  as 
to  bring  great  reproach  upon  the  church,  and 
he  was  dismissed,  after  having  preached  here 
but  about  a  year.  The  following  proceedings 
were  had,  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Urmston's 
removal. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  October  29th,  1723,  "  Mr. 
Fraser,  church  warden,  laid  before  the  vestry  a  minute  of 
the  convention  of  the  clergy  of  this  province,  held  at  Chi- 
chester the!  23d  day  of  this  instant,  October,  which  was 
read,  and  is  as  followeth  : 

"  A  member  of  the  convention  having  laid  before  the 
brethren  the  reflections  cast  upon  those  missionaries  who 
recommended  Mr.  Urmston  to  supply  the  cure  of  Philadel- 
phia, and  the  said  member  having  signified  what  reasons 
such  reflections  were  grounded  upon  agreed  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Talbot  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Weyman  do  acquaint  the 
vestry  and  wardens  of  the  church  of  Philadelphia,  that  the 
clergy  of  this  province  are  willing  and  ready  to  concur  in 
the  removal  of  the  said  Mr.  Urmston  from  Philadelphia, 
provided  that  they  do  signify  their  uneasiness  to  the  con- 
vention, and  make  their  application  to  them,  or  any  three 
of  their  number,  under  their  hands  to  that  purpose. 
Signed,  John  Talbot, 

George  Ross, 
John  Humphreys, 
Robert  Weiman, 
William  Beckett. 


52  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

The  above  communication  having  been  read,  it  was 
"  Resolved  that  the  thanks  of  this  vestry  be  given  to  the 
gentlemen  of  the  convention  for  their  expressing  them- 
selves so  willing  and  ready  to  concur  in  the  removal  of 
Mr.  Urmston  from  Philadelphia."  It  was  further  "  or- 
dered that  the  church  wardens  wait  upon  as  many  of  the 
above  clergy  as  they  conveniently  can,  and  deliver  them  a 
copy  of  this  minute,  and  let  them  know  that  if  they  please 
to  supply  this  church  till  we  can  be  otherwise  provided, 
we  shall  gratefully  acknowledge  the  favour." 

Signed,  William  Fkaser, 

Church  Warden. 

Anthony  Palmer,  Robert  Assheton,  Peter  Evans,  James 
Tuthill,  Robert  Ellis,  George  Plumley,  John  Read, 
Samuel  Hasell,  Thomas  Polegreen,  Merick  Davis, 

Vestrymen. 

From  the  above  documents  it  appears  that 
the  clergy  of  the  province  were  wont  to  meet 
in  convention,  at  that  time,  and  to  legislate  on 
the  affairs  of  the  church. 

November  27.  "  Ordered  that  the  pews  be 
all  numbered  in  oyle  colours,  according  to  the 
plan  of  the  church  pews." 

December  19.  An  address  to  the  bishop  of 
London,  Dr.  Gibson,  pursuant  to  an  order  of 
the  vestry  of  the  13th  of  August  last,  was  this 
day  sent  home  by  Capt.  John  Richmond ; 
which  address  is  in  the  words  following,  viz. : 

To  the  Right  Rev.  Father  in  God,  Edmund,  lprd  bishop 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  53 

of  London  :  The  humble  address  and  representation  of  the 
church  wardens  and  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia. 
May  it  please  your  lordship, 

We  beg  leave  to  congratulate  your  lordship  upon  your 
translation  from  the  see  of  Lincoln  to  London,  not  doubting 
but  that  your  lordship  will  have  the  same  regard  to  the 
church  of  Philadelphia  as  the  late  bishops,  your  prede- 
cessors, have  had. 

It  is  now  about  twenty-eight  years  since  the  foundation 
of  an  English  church,  by  a  very  few  of  her  communion, 
was  first  laid  in  this  city ;  since  which,  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  the  congregation  has  so  increased,  that  two  additions 
have  been  made  thereto.  And  we  are  sorry  to  say,  that 
had  it  not  been  for  some  very  great  indiscretions  and  mis- 
takes of  our  ministers,  which  we  rather  choose  to  bury  in 
oblivion  than  to  bring  upon  the  stage,  our  church  and  reli 
gion  would  have  stood  much  fairer  in  the  opinion  of  her 
adversaries.  We  were  in  hopes  your  lordship's  predeces- 
sor, upon  the  death  of  our  late  minister,  Mr.  Vicary,  would 
have  filled  this  vacancy  with  an  able,  honest  and  good 
man ;  without  which  we  humbly  presume  the  gospel  can 
hardly  propagate,  or  the  church  flourish  in  a  place  sur- 
rounded with  such  swarms  of  dissenters. 

The  minister  of  this  church  (saving  the  £50  per  annum, 
the  crown's  bounty,  superseded  some  years  ago,)  has  always 
been  maintained  by  a  voluntary  subscription  of  the  con- 
gregation, amounting  for  several  years  past,  to  at  least 
£150  per  annum,  which,  together  with  the  surplice  fees, 
and  a  convenient  house  rent  free,  we  modestly  compute  at 
£200.  Besides  we  do  not  despair  of  regaining  the  bounty 
money,  would  your  lordship  become  our  advocate  to  the 
king  for  the  same. 

Oar  church,  for  above  twelve   months  last  past,  rather 

than  the  doors  should  be  shut  and  the  congregation  scatter, 

5# 


54  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

has  been  supplied  by  one  Mr.  Urmston,  heretofore  mis- 
sionary to  the  honourable  society  to  North  Carolina;  but 
now  by  them,  for  good  reasons  doubtless,  dismissed,  as  he 
is  by  us,  and  gone  for  Maryland. 

And  now  having  given  your  lordship  an  account  of  the 
state  of  our  church,  we  humbly  submit  it  to  your  lordship's 
consideration,  beseeching  you  to  send  us  such  a  gentleman 
as  may  be  a  credit  to  our  communion,  an  ornament  to  his 
profession,  and  a  true  propagator  of  the  gospel.  We  are 
with  the  greatest  respect, 

May  it  please  your  lordship, 

Your  lordship's  most  obedient  sons  and  servants. 

As  the  above  document  was  dated  in  Decem- 
ber, 1723,  it  clearly  ascertains  two  facts,  that 
the  church  then  standing  was  the  original 
building  erected  in  1695,  and  that  it  had  been 
twice  enlarged  since  its  erection. 

1724. 

July  27.  The  vestry  not  having  heard  from 
the  bishop  of  London  addressed  the  following 
letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Welton  : 

Reverend  Sir, 

We,  the  churchwardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church, 
Philadelphia,  taking  into  our  serious  consideration  the 
melancholy  state  of  our  church,  which,  since  the  death  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Vicary,  has  been  left  in  a  manner  destitute 
and  without  a  pastor,  we  have  some  time  since  addressed 
the  right  reverend,  the  bishop  of  London,  for  a  supply  to 
fill  the  vacancy  ;  but  have  not  yet  heard  from  his  lordship. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  55 

It  is  therefore  our  humble  request,  that  you  would  be 
pleased  to  take  the  care  of  this  church  upon  you ;  which 
extraordinary  favour  we  shall  always  gratefully  acknow- 
ledge, and  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves, 

Rev.  Sir,  your  most  affectionate,  humble  servants, 

Signed  by  both  wardens  and  fifteen  vestrymen. 
Philada.  July  27th,  1724. 

This  invitation  was  accepted,  and  the  Doc- 
tor entered  immediately  upon  his  new  charge ; 
but  continued  in  it  only  until  January,  1726, 
when  he  was  called  home  to  England. 

1726. 

January  13.  The  following  proceedings 
were  had  in  vestry  in  consequence  of  their  cler- 
gyman leaving  them  at  this  time. 

"  The  Rev.  Dr.  Welton  who  has  officiated 
as  minister  in  this  church,  in  its  vacancy,  at 
our  request,  being  now  called  home  by  the  gov- 
ernment, requesting  our  testimonial  or  certifi- 
cate of  his  conduct  and  behaviour  amongst  us, 
and  we  being  sensible  of  the  good  services  he 
has  done  the  church,  think  ourselves  under  an 
obligation  to  do  him  justice  in  that  behalf.  It 
is  therefore  ordered,  that  the  church  wardens 
get  the  same  prepared,  and  lay  it  before  the 
next  vestry." 

It  appears  from  Dr.  Hawks's  Ecclesiastical 


56  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Contributions,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Welton,  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot  of  Burlington,  were  sup- 
posed to  have  received  Episcopal  orders  in 
England,  and  to  have  been  consecrated  by  the 
English  nonjuring  bishops.  "There  is  direct 
evidence,"  says  Dr.  Hawks,  "  from  the  letters 
of  some  of  the  missionaries,  that  they  at  least 
administered  confirmation,  and  wore  the  robes 
of  a  bishop.  A  matter  of  this  kind  would  of 
course  alarm  both  the  clergy  and  civil  authority 
in  all  the  colonies.  Governors  thought  the 
subject  of  sufficient  moment  to  be  presented  to 
the  authorities  at  home,  and  it  was  there 
brought  before  the  privy  council.  Very  soon 
an  order  came  to  Sir  William  Keith,  the  gov- 
ernor of  Pennsylvania,  enclosing  his  majesty's 
writ  of  privy  seal,  addressed  to  Welton,  and 
commanding  him,  upon  his  allegiance  forthwith 
to  return  to  Great  Britain  ;  upon  the  service  of 
this  order,  Welton  sailed  for  Lisbon."* 

Percival,  in  his  late  work  on  Apostolical 
Succession,  tells  us,  that  "  Welton  and  Talbot 
were  not  recognized  as  bishops  by  the  rest  of 
the  nonjurors,  having  been  consecrated  without 
their  approval.  They  both  went  to  the  colonies 
in  North  America,  the  former  to  Philadelphia, 
and  exercised  the   Episcopal   functions.     But 

*  Ecelca.  Contributions,  vol  ii.  p.  183. 


OF   CHRIST    CHURCH.  57 

the  government  at  home  interfering,  at  the 
request  of  the  then  bishop  of  London,  Welton 
retired  to  Portugal,  where  he  died,  1726.  Tal- 
bot took  the  oaths  and  submitted."t 

February  7.  "  Our  church  being  now  vacant, 
and  no  minister  to  perform  the  duties  thereof, 
and  we  being  informed  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wey- 
man,  Mr.  Leadman,  and  Mr.  Holebrook,  are 
willing  to  lend  us  all  the  assistance  they  can, 
till  we  can  be  otherwise  supplied ;  it  is  ordered, 
that  the  church  wardens  acquaint  them,  that 
we  kindly  accept  of  their  generous  offer,  and 
will  gratefully  acknowledge  their  trouble." 
"  Ordered,  that  the  parsonage  house  be  cleaned 
and  repaired,  that  Mr.  Weyman  may  come  into 
it." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Weyman  appears  to  have  offi- 
ciated most  of  the  time,  until  September,  1726, 
when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings  took  the  charge. 
The  vestry  vote  "  fifty  pounds  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Weyman,  for  his  care  of  the  church  during  its 
vacancy." 

September  9.  At  a  vestry  meeting  held  this 
day,  "The  Rev.  Mr.  Archibald  Cummings  laid 
before  the  board  a  license  from  the  Right  Rev. 
Edmund,  lord  bishop  of  London,  appointing  him 

*  Percival's  Apology  for  Apos.  Succession,  p.  134. 


58  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

minister  of  this  church,  and  was  accordingly 
received." 

Mr.  Cummings  continued  the  minister  of 
Christ  Church,  until  his  death,  in  1741,  a  period 
of  nearly  fifteen  years  ;  during  which  time  the 
affairs  of  the  church  seem  to  have  gone  on,  for 
the  most  part,  prosperously  and  harmoniously. 
A  slight  difficulty,  which  we  shall  hereafter 
notice,  for  a  moment  disturbed  the  otherwise 
peaceful  calm. 

1727. 

The  arrival  of  a  new  minister,  with  a  pros- 
pect of  his  permanent  settlement  among  them, 
seems  to  have  inspired  the  congregation  with 
unwonted  zeal  and  energy;  for  in  April,  1727, 
it  being  admitted,  "that  the  present  church 
was  too  small  to  accommodate  the  congrega- 
tion," it  was  therefore,  "  Resolved,  that  an  ad- 
dition or  enlargement  of  thirty-three  feet  be 
added  to  the  west  end,  and  that  a  foundation 
be  forthwith  laid  for  the  same,  together  with 
a  foundation  for  a  steeple,  or  tower,  adjoining 
to  the  west  end  of  said  enlargement." 

"  Upon  which,  Dr.  Kearsley,  out  of  a  hearty 
desire  to  have  the  said  work  begun,  under- 
takes to  set  men  a  digging,  in  order  to  lay  the 
foundation,  and  will  disburse   money   for  the 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  59 

same,  until  subscriptions  be  made  and  collected 
for  the  said  use." 

April  24.  "Ordered,  that  Messrs.  John 
Kearsley,  James  Tuthill,  and  Thomas  Tresse, 
be  appointed  to  apply  to  the  parishioners,  and 
other  well  disposed  persons,  for  their  subscrip- 
tions towards  the  addition  to  the  church,  and 
erecting  a  steeple;  that  Messrs.  William 
Chancellor  and  Peter  Baynton  make  applica- 
tion to  strangers  for  said  purpose;  and  that 
Messrs.  Thomas  Chase  and  Samuel  Hasell 
apply  to  Barbadian  gentlemen  for  the  same." 

April  27.  The  corner-stone  of  the  present 
building  was  laid  by  the  Honourable  P.  Gor- 
don, the  governor,  with  the  mayor,  recorder, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings,  the  minister,  and 
several  other  gentlemen  of  the  city;  as  ap- 
pears from  a  journal  of  that  day. 

May  2.  "  Dr.  Kearsley  reported  to  the 
vestry  that  he  had  ordered  the  digging  and 
laying  a  foundation  for  the  addition  to  the 
church,  and  also  for  the  steeple,  and  that  the 
workmen  were  now  about  the  same." 

"  Resolved,  That  Messrs.  John  Kearsley, 
Thomas  Tresse,  Robert  Ellis  and  Thomas 
Leech,  be  appointed  overseers,  or  managers 
of  the  work  now  begun,  and  that  they  take 
care  that  the  work  be  well  done,  and  the  work- 


60  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

men  paid;  and  that  a  suitable  foundation  be 
laid  for  a  handsome  steeple,  to  be  erected 
when  money  can  be  raised  sufficient  for  the 
purpose." 

This  was  the  commencement  of  the  western 
end  of  the  present  building,  begun  April  27th, 
1727;  now,  1841,  one  hundred  and  fourteen 
years  since. 

Watson  in  his  Annals  says,  "  For  the  im- 
pressive architectural  style  of  Christ  Church, 
as  well  as  for  the  state-house  also,  we  are  in- 
debted to  the  taste  and  direction  of  Dr.  John 
Kearsley,  the  elder,  an  eminent  physician  of 
Philadelphia.  He  was  a  very  popular  man,  a 
member  of  assembly,  &c."  We  shall  have 
occasion  to  notice  more  fully  his  merits  and 
virtues,  when  we  come  to  speak  of  him  as  the 
founder  and  munificent  patron  of  Christ  Church 
Hospital ;  for  which  noble  charity,  generations 
yet  unborn  will  rise  up  and  call  him  blessed. 

1728. 

July  1.  At  a  meeting  of  Vestry  held  this 
day,  it  was  resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  to 
the  widow  of  the  late  sexton,  for  his  services 
in  "  picking  up  and  burying  the  bones,"  disin- 
terred by  digging  the  foundation  of  the  new 
church,  "  Is.  6d.  per  diem,  for  the  time  the 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  61 

foundation  was  digging ;  and  the  time  to  be 
ascertained  by  Dr.  Kearsley's  book." 

From  the  above  it  would  appear,  that  the 
lot  on  which  the  church  stands  had  long  been 
used  as  a  burial  ground. 

September  2.  A  committee  having  been 
appointed  by  the  vestry  "to  treat  with  Mr. 
Lod.  C.  Sprogel,  about  an  organ  lately  arrived 
here,  report  that  they  had  done  the  same,  and 
that  he  insisted  on  £200.  for  said  organ  ;  and 
that  they  had  procured  men  of  the  best  skill 
this  place  could  afford,  to  erect  the  said  or- 
gan in  a  convenient  house  in  town,  to  make 
trial  thereof;  which  being  done,  it  is  said  the 
organ  proves  good  in  its  kind,  and  large 
enough  for  our  church."     It  was  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  organ  be  purchased 
for  the  use  of  Christ  Church  in  Philadelphia, 
and  that  Peter  Baynton  and  others  be  a  com- 
mittee to  procure  subscriptions  for  that  pur- 
pose, to  "  appoint  a  suitable  place  to  erect  it 
in,  and  that  they  order  the  moving  it  into  the 
church  forthwith,  from  the  place  where  it  now 


1729. 

April  25.     At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  this 
day,  it  was  "  Ordered,  that  Mr.  Cummings  and 

6 


62  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Mr.  Evans  be  appointed  to  renew  our  applica- 
tion to  Barbadoes  and  St.  Christopher's,  for 
some  contributions  towards  carrying  on  our 
church  ;  that  Mr.  Tresse  and  Mr.  Chancellor, 
Mr.  Hyatt  and  Mr.  Bourne,  be  appointed  to 
solicit  strangers  for  contributions."  An  appli- 
cation for  aid  had  been  previously  made  to  the 
Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts ;  but  what  success  attended  these  ap- 
peals, or  whether  any  of  them  were  responded 
to,  does  not  appear.  It  was  a  bold  undertak- 
ing in  those  days,  for  a  congregation  with  such 
limited  resources,  to  erect  so  large  and  costly 
a  building.  The  patience  and  perseverance 
with  which  they  prosecuted  it  to  its  completion, 
are  convincing  proofs  of  their  faith  and  zeal. 
That  the  cause  interested  some  "  strangers," 
at  least,  appears  from  the  following  minutes  of 
the  vestry. 

1730. 

April  9.  "  Mr.  Dexter  presented  to  the 
vestry  eighteen  pounds  six  shillings,  which 
were  delivered  to  Mr.  Kearsley,  being  a  volun- 
tary donation  of  the  gentlemen  of  Ireland,  met 
at  his  house  on  St.  Patrick's  day,  towards  car- 
rying on  the  new  additional  building  of  the 
church."     Whereupon  it  was  "Ordered,  that 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  63 

Mr.  Dexter  return  the  gentlemen  the  thanks  of 
the  vestry  for  the  same." 

In  the  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting,  the 
minister  of  Christ  Church,  the  Rev.  Archibald 
Cummings,  is  for  the  first  time  styled  "  Rec- 
tor ;"  the  title  had  never  been  applied  to  any  of 
his  predecessors. 

Among  the  rules  of  order  adopted  by  the 
vestry  at  this  time,  is  the  following:  "That 
twenty  persons  be  annually  chosen  by  the  con- 
gregation on  Easter  Monday,  immediately  after 
divine  service  in  the  morning,  to  serve  as  ves- 
trymen for  the  ensuing  year ;  at  which  time 
also  two  church  wardens  shall  be  chosen,  one 
by  the  minister,  and  the  other  by  the  people. 
The  names  of  the  persons  so  elected  shall,  on 
the  Sunday  following,  be  published  openly  in 
the  church." 

September  20.  The  new  addition  to  the 
church  of  thirty-three  feet,  which  forms  the 
western  end  of  the  present  building,  being 
nearly  completed,  it  was  "Ordered,  that  the 
windows  be  glazed  with  all  possible  expedition, 
in  order  that  the  pulpit  may  be  removed  to  the 
place  appointed  for  the  better  accommodating 
the  whole  congregation."  A  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  accounts  of  Dr.  John 
Kearsley,  of  "  money  received  and  disbursed 


64  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

for  carrying  on  the  additional  building  of 
Christ  Church,  from  the  10th  April,  1727,  to 
the  19th  April,  1730,"  report,  "  that  they  find 
it  a  very  fair  and  just  account ;  and  that  he 
very  well  deserved  the  thanks  of  the  congrega- 
tion for  his  great  pains  and  care  in  the  man- 
agement thereof." 

1731. 

July  15.  The  western  end  of  the  church 
being  finished,  measures  were  taken  to  remove 
the  old  building,  which  was  very  much  decay- 
ed, and  put  up  the  eastern  end  as  speedily  as 
circumstances  would  permit.  To  carry  out 
the  original  plan  of  having  a  handsome  church, 
steeple,  and  bells,  very  much  larger  sums  of 
money  were  required  than  had  yet  been  obtain- 
ed. The  vestry  had  been  four  years  in  finish- 
ing one  section,  or  about  a  third  part,  of  the 
contemplated  building,  exclusive  of  the  tower 
and  steeple,  and  their  funds  were  entirely  ex- 
hausted ;  still  they  were  not  disheartened,  but 
determined  to  persevere.  At  a  meeting  this 
day,  "  Capt.  Anthony  Palmer,  and  Mr.  Thom- 
as Tresse  were  appointed  to  procure  and  col- 
lect additional  subscriptions  for  the  carrying 
on  the  building  of  the  church;  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Bourne,  one    of   the  wardens,   whose   affairs 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  65 

called  him  beyond  sea,  and  who  offered  his 
service  to  the  church,"  is  empowered,  while 
abroad,  to  circulate  a  petition  of  the  vestry, 
"  requesting  all  well  disposed  people  to  contri- 
bute towards  the  rebuilding  of  the  church." 

1732. 

March  16.  From  the  proceedings  of  the 
vestry  under  this  date,  we  learn,  that  those 
"  persons  who  were  appointed  to  procure  sub- 
scriptions towards  the  building  the  old  part  of 
the  church,  had  made  no  progress  therein." 
And  as  there  was  "  an  absolute  necessity  to 
pull  down  that  ruinous  part  of  the  old  building 
in  a  very  short  time,  it  is  ordered,  that  the 
church  wardens  draw  up  a  preamble  for  the 
said  subscriptions,  in  order  to  be  proceeded 
upon  after  Easter." 

It  being  understood,  "  that  his  honour  the 
governor  was  desirous  to  have  a  seat  appoint- 
ed him  in  the  new  gallery,"  the  church  war- 
dens are  requested  to  "  wait  upon  the  governor 
and  know  his  pleasure  therein,  and  report  the 
same  to  the  next  vestry."  And  "  inasmuch 
as  since  the  new  addition  to  the  church  is 
completed,  and  the  galleries  erected  therein, 
the  pulpit  stands  too  remote  from  that  part  of 
the  church  for  the  people  to  hear  distinctly,  so 

6* 


66  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

as  to  receive  full  benefit,  Resolved,  that  the 
pulpit  be  removed  further  into  the  body  of  the 
church,  with  all  convenient  speed." 

May  26.  "  Joshua  Maddox  and  James  Bing- 
ham, wardens,  reported  that  they  had  waited 
on  his  honour  the  governor,  and  that  he  declin- 
ed having  a  seat  in  the  gallery,  and  desired 
one  where  the  pulpit,  now  removed,  formerly 
stood.  Ordered,  that  a  handsome  one  be  made 
accordingly,  and  that  the  church  wardens, 
when  it  is  done,  request  the  governor  to  view 
it,  that,  if  approved,  the  other  before  the  com- 
munion table  may  be  pulled  down."  At  a  meet- 
ing of  the  vestry  the  next  day,  "  the  governor 
appearing  and  approving  the  pew  appointed  for 
him,  the  other  was  immediately  taken  down." 

Doctor  Hugh  Graham,  of  Philadelphia,  "  be- 
queathed by  his  last  will  and  testament,  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  towards  carrying 
on  the  building  of  the  church." 

June  30.  "  The  ruinous  state  of  the  old 
part  of  the  church  being  under  consideration, 
and  a  new  subscription  roll  being  prepared, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  the  vestry  present 
severally  subscribed." 

There  are  no  minutes  of  the  vestry  preserv- 
ed, from  October,  1732,  to  April,  1735;  in 
which  time  the  eastern  end  of  the  present  build- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  67 

ing  was  commenced.  In  May  25th,  of  the  last 
named  year,  we  find  the  following  allusion  to 
the  new  part  of  the  church ;  "  It  is  agreed  that 
what  money  may  come  into  the  hands  of  the 
church  wardens  by  the  box,  shall  be  applied  to 
the  finishing  the  outside  of  the  church,  after  the 
expense  of  the  double  gallery  and  stair-case  is 
paid,  in  order  that  the  scaffold  poles  may  be 
taken  down." 

1736. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Richard  Peters  came  from 
England,  and  by  request  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cum- 
mings,  rector  of  Christ  Church,  assisted  him  in 
preaching  and  reading  prayers  for  six  months; 
from  November  1735  to  May  23d,  1736.  In 
August  following  it  was  "  Ordered,  that  my 
lord  bishop  of  London  be  addressed  by  this 
vestry  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Richard  Peters, 
praying  his  lordship  to  grant  him  letters  of  li- 
cense to  exercise  his  function  in  order  to  be 
an  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings."  This 
application  was  granted,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Peters  officiated  for  a  few  months  as  assistant, 
when  a  misunderstanding  arose  between  him 
and  the  rector,  and  he  resigned  f  in  conse- 

*  The  account  of  this  difficulty,  which  led  to  Mr.  Peters's  resignation, 
is  given  in  an  introduction  to  two  sermons,  preached  by  him  in  Christ 
Church,  July  3d,  1737;  and  printed  the  same  year  by  Benjamin  Frank. 
lin.    These  are  in  the  Loganian  Library, 


68  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

quence  of  which,  at  a  meeting  of  the  vestry 
July  28th,  1737,  both  wardens  and  twenty  ves- 
trymen being  present,  the  following  address  to 
the  bishop  of  London  was  agreed  upon  and  or- 
dered to  be  sent  by  first  conveyance ; 

To  the  right  reverend  father  in  God,  Edmund  lord  bishop 
of  London : 

The  humble  address  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church  in 
Philadelphia  : 
May  it  please  your  lordship  : 

We  most  gratefully  acknowledge  the  many  obligations 
we  are  under  to  your  lordship,  not  only  for  your  general 
care  of  the  church,  but  in  particular  for  the  last  instance 
of  your  goodness  in  favouring  the  application  which  was 
made  by  the  reverend  our  minister,  at  our  instance,  for  the 
reverend  Mr.  Peters  to  be  our  assistant. 

And  although  this  gentleman,  for  reasons  which  we 
humbly  beg  leave  to  say  appear  to  us  to  be  just,  has 
thought  fit  to  decline  continuing  to  give  his  assistance,  yet 
we  shall,  upon  all  occasions,  endeavour  to  testify  the  sense 
we  have  of  the  great  regard  your  lordship  has  shown  to 
this  church  and  congregation,  in  that  appointment. 

And  we  humbly  beg  leave  to  say,  that  though  your  ap- 
pointment of  Mr.  Peters  has  not  pleased  some  few  among 
us,  yet  it  is  true  that  during  the  time  he  has  exercised  his 
ministerial  function  in  this  city,  he  has  given  great  satisfac- 
tion in  general  to  our  congregation,  and  has  been  of  real 
service  to  the  church  of  England  ;  to  which,  by  his  con- 
duct both  in  the  pulpit  and  out  of  it  he  has  drawn  great 
numbers  of  the  more  understanding  dissenters  of  all  per- 
suasions. And  as  we  are  all  assured  that  it  is  a  pleasure 
to  your  lordship  at  all  times  to  hear  of  the  prosperity  of 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  69 

the  church  of  England,  and  especially  of  that  part  of  it 
more  especially  under  your  lordship's  care,  at  the  same 
time  we  hope  your  lordship  will  pardon  our  taking  the 
liberty  in  expressing  our  duty  and  gratitude  to  your  lordship 
for  the  care  of  this  church,  and  in  doing  justice  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Peters,  who  we  humbly  beg  leave  to  say  is  truly 
deserving  of  the  favour  conferred  upon  him  by  your  lord- 
ship, in  allowing  him  to  be  assistant  to  the  minister  of  this 
church.  May  the  God  of  heaven  long  preserve  your  lord- 
ship as  an  ornament  to  the  church  of  England  in  the  king- 
dom where  you  live,  and  as  father  to  the  church  abroad, 
within  his  majesty's  dominions  under  your  jurisdiction. 
We  most  humbly  ask  your  lordship's  blessing,  and  beg 
leave  to  subscribe  ourselves, 

May  it  please  your  lordship, 

your  lordship's  most  dutiful, 
most  obedient, 

and  most  humble  sons  and  servants. 

It  will  be  seen,  in  the  course  of  this  history, 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Peters  was  made  rector  of 
Christ  Church,  twenty-five  years  after  this 
time ;  and  continued  in  that  office  until  his 
death,  in  1776. 

1738. 

The  following  letter  from  Dr.  Gibson,  bishop 
of  London,  is  addressed  to  "  the  church  war- 
dens of  the  church  in  Philadelphia,"  and  from 
its  date,  no  doubt,  refers  to  the  difficulties 
which  had  arisen  in  the  church,  in  consequence 


70  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

of  the  dispute  between  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Cum- 
mings  and  Peters.  We  cop)r  from  the  original 
letter,  now  before  us,  in  the  bishop's  own  hand- 
writing. 

Whitehall,  Oct.  19th,  1738. 
Gentlemen, 

I  have  lately  received  a  letter  signed  by  you  and  several 
members  of  your  vestry,  in  which  you  profess,  as  becomes 
serious  and  good  christians,  that  what  is  past,  you  heartily 
desire  may  be  forgot  on  all  sides.  This  is  a  sure  founda- 
tion of  peace  for  the  time  to  come,  and  what  I  hope  all 
sides  will  practise  and  acquiesce  in.  In  the  course  of  such 
disputes  some  things  are  usually  said  on  both  sides  through 
heat  and  passion,  which  one  would  wish  had  not  been  said ; 
and  the  sooner  they  are  forgotten  the  better.  At  so  great 
a  distance,  it  is  next  to  impossible  for  me,  in  such  cases,  to 
form  an  exact  judgment  of  persons  and  things;  but  there 
is  one  point  which  I  am  exceedingly  clear  in,  that  a  contin- 
uance of  the  disputes  among  yourselves,  on  which  side 
soever  the  fault  had  lain,  must  in  a  little  time  have  been 
the  ruin  of  that  church.  And  as  I  heartily  desire  the 
welfare  of  your  church,  and  every  member  of  it,  'tis  a 
particular  satisfaction  to  me  to  see  so  good  a  disposition  to 
peace. 

I  do  not  remember  that  I  have  ever  given  occasion, 
either  by  word  or  writing,  to  suspect  that  I  pretend  to  any 
more  right  than  that  of  licensing  the  person  who  is  to  be 
your  minister,  and  who  cannot  regularly  be  received,  either 
in  your  government  or  any  other  of  the  plantations,  with- 
out such  license.  And  I  am  so  far  from  discouraging  the 
education  of  your  own  children  for  the  ministry, .that  I  have 
heartily  laboured,  though  without   success,  to  procure  a 


r 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  71 

settlement  of  two  bishops  in  the  plantations,  one  for  the 
continent,  and  the  other  for  the  islands ;  chiefly  with  a 
view  to  make  it  more  easy  and  less  expensive  to  persons 
who  have  had  their  education  there,  to  be  admitted  to  holy 
orders. 

I  desire  that  this  letter  may  be  communicated  to  the  ves- 
try ;  and  commending  you  and  them  to  the  divine  blessing 
and  protection,  I  remain,  gentlemen, 

Your  faithful  friend, 

Edm.  London. 

1739. 
The  church  being  yet   unfinished,   and   no 
funds  in  hand  for  completing  it,  another  sub* 
scription  paper  was  drawn  up,  with  the  follow- 
ing heading,  viz. : 

"  Philadelphia,  May  7th,  1739. 
"  Whereas,  the  Episcopal  church  of  Philadelphia,  hav- 
ing been  long  built,  and  much  out  of  repair,  as  well  as  too 
small  for  the  convenient  seating  of  the  congregation,  it 
was  therefore  resolved,  by  two  several  vestries,  in  the  year 
seventeen  hundred  twenty-seven,  that  a  sum  of  money 
should  be  raised  by  subscription,  for  erecting  a  new,  larger 
and  more  commodious  building ;  which  good  design,  with 
much  care  and  industry  hath  been  carried  on,  the  founda- 
tion of  a  steeple  laid,  and  the  body  of  the  new  church  on 
the  outside  almost  finished  ;  but  the  said  subscription  fall- 
ing short,  and  insufficient  to  complete  the  same,  the  inside 
of  the  church  remains  unfinished,  and  many  of  the  congre- 
gation yet  unprovided  with  pews  for  themselves  and  fami- 
lies ;  which  makes  it  necessary  that  some  pews,  a  gallery, 
and  other  conveniences,  should  yet  be  added,  as  well  as  the 


72  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

whole  finished  ;  for  which  pious  and  good  purpose,  we  whose 
names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  do  promise  to  pay  to  the 
church  wardens  of  the  said  church,  or  such  others  as  shall 
be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  for  the  use  aforesaid,  the 
sums  of  money  by  us  respectively  subscribed.  In  witness 
whereof  we  have  hereunto  set  our  names  the  date  above 
written." 

There  are  more  than  two  hundred  signatures 
to  the  above,  and  among  them  are  those  of  the 
governor,  George  Thomas,  for  £50. ;  the  rec- 
tor, Archibald  Cummings,  £20.;  William  Till, 
Thomas  Bourne,  John  Kearsley,  Thomas 
Leech,  Charles  Willing,  Peter  Evans,  Andrew 
Bradford,  Thomas  Lawrence,  William  Hellier, 
Samuel  Hasell,  William  Bell,  Richard  Peters, 
Benjamin  Franklin,  George  McCall,  Robert 
Assheton,  James  Humphreys,  Richard  Nixon, 
Joseph  Shippen,  Joseph  Redman. 

1740. 

July  31.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  held 
this  day,  it  was  "  Resolved,  that  the  pulpit  be 
removed  to  the  east  end  of  the  middle  aisle  of 
the  church,  and  that  the  church  wardens  confer 
with  Dr.  Kearsley  and  Mr.  Leech  concerning 
its  situation  and  fixing  the  same." 

1741. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Archibald  Cummings  died  in 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  73 

April  of  this  year ;  having  been  rector  of  the 
church  fourteen  years  and  seven  months.  In 
April  8th,  1728,  his  marriage  with  Jane  Eliza- 
beth Assheton  is  recorded.  His  labours  must 
have  been  very  arduous,  judging  from  his  pri- 
vate register  now  in  the  possession  of  Christ 
Church  vestry,  entitled,  "  A  register  of  persons 
baptized,  married  and  buried,  within  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  by  Archibald  Cummings,  from 
Sept.  8th,  1726." 

This  register  is  continued  from  the  above 
date  down  to  January  31st,  1741 ;  fourteen 
years  and  five  months,  nearly.  The  entries  are 
all  made  in  Mr.  Cummings's  handwriting,  and 
the  number  recorded  is  as  follows ;  baptisms, 
1728 ;  marriages,  851 ;  burials,  1601.  In 
many  instances  four,  and  sometimes  even  six, 
burials  are  recorded  in  one  day. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Eneas  Ross  came  over  from 
England  in  June  of  this  year,  two  months 
after  Mr.  Cummings's  death,  and  finding  the 
church  vacant  he  was  induced  to  supply  it 
until  the  bishop  of  London  could  be  heard  from. 
Mr.  Ross  continued  to  officiate  in  Christ  Church 
until  July  1743 ;  the  last  few  months  as  assis- 
tant to  Dr.  Jenney;  he  then  removed  from 
Philadelphia  to  take  charge  of  the  churches  of 
Oxford  and  White  Marsh. 

7 


74  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1742. 

May  1.  Mr.  Ross  having  been  in  charge  of 
the  church  nearly  a  year,  it  was  this  day  "  Or- 
dered, that  an  address  be  forthwith  drawn  up, 
signed,  and  sent  to  the  lord  bishop  of  London, 
Dr.  Gibson,  recommending  the  Rev.  Mr.  Eneas 
Ross  to  his  lordship's  favour  and  protection, 
and  to  pray  his  lordship  to  license  the  said 
Mr.  Ross  to  be  the  minister  of  this  church,  in 
case  his  lordship  has  not  already  appointed  and 
licensed  a  minister  for  the  same."  Dr.  Kears- 
ley  and  four  other  gentlemen  of  the  vestry  were 
appointed  to  draw  up  the  address,  which  is  in 
the  following  words,  viz. : 

To  the   right   reverend   father  in   God,  Edmund,  lord 
bishop   of    London.      The   humble    address  of    the 
church  wardens  and  vestry  of  Christ  church  in  Phil- 
adelphia : 
May  it  please  your  lordship  : 

Immediately  after  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings, 
our  late  worthy  pastor,  an  address  dated  the  23d  of  April, 
1741,  was  drawn  up  and  sent  to  your  lordship,  from  the 
then  vestry  of  this  church,  humbly  requesting  your  lord- 
ship to  license  and  send  over  a  minister  to  us,  worthy  of 
your  lordship's  esteem  and  fatherly  advice  ;  to  which  ad- 
dress we  have  not  hitherto  been  so  happy  as  to  receive 
any  answer  from  your  lordship. 

The  reverend  missionaries  of  this  province  diligently 
officiated  by  turns  in  our  church,  until  the  arrival  of  the 
reverend  Mr.  Eneas  Ross,  who  has   since,  by  his  prudent 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  75 

conduct  and  indefatigable  pains,  constantly  supplied  this 
cure,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  congregation ;  where- 
by he  has  so  justly  merited  a  general  esteem,  that  we,  the 
church  wardens  and  vestry,  moved  by  our  own  inclinations, 
as  well  as  by  the  frequent  importunities  of  the  parishioners, 
do  unanimously  request  your  lordship's  license  and  appro- 
bation of  him  for  this  church,  if,  before  this  comes  to  hand, 
your  lordship  has  not  appointed  another. 

We  are  not  insensible  of  the  uneasiness  and  concern  some 
different  representations  from  this  congregation  may  have 
given  your  lordship  ;  notwithstanding  which,  we  hope  the 
present  vestry  and  members  of  this  church  in  general, 
will  always  think  it  their  indispensable  duty  zealously  to 
pursue  such  measures,  as  may  be  most  likely  to  promote 
true  piety  and  virtue,  secure  the  peace  of  this  church,  and 
establish  unanimity  among  us,  supported  by  a  strict  obser- 
vance of  the  wholesome  rules  and  canons  of  the  church  of 
England  as  by  law  established  ;  always  bearing  a  due  regard 
to  the  rights  and  jurisdiction  of  your  lordship,  our  lawful 
diocesan ;  in  which  high  and  dignified  station  may  your 
lordship  long  continue,  is  the  ardent  prayer  of, 
May  it  please  your  lordship, 

Your  lordship's  most  dutiful  sons  and  servants. 

Philadelphia,  27th  May,  1742. 

Signed  by  William  Pyewell  and  John  Ross,  church  war- 
dens. 

Alexander  Woodrop,  Samuel  Hasell,  John  Kearsley, 
Edward  Bradley,  William  Clymer,  Benjamin  Morgan, 
John  Hyatt,  Richard  Parker,  William  Maugridge,  Peter 
Baynton,  William  Bulley,  Peter  Evans,  William  Chancel- 
lor, Joshua  Maddox,  Thomas  Leech,  George  Plumley, 
William  Bell,  vestrymen. 

July  6.     Before  any  answer  could  be  receiv- 


76  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

ed  to  the  above  address,  the  church  wardens 
laid  before  the  vestry  the  following  letter  ad- 
dressed to  them  by  the  Rev.  Robert  Jenney, 
one  of  the  society's  missionaries  to  New  York, 
then  in  London,  viz. : 

Gentlemen, 

I  take  the  opportunity  by  Captain  Wright  to  acquaint 
you  that  some  of  your  friends  and  mine  have  desired  me  to 
go  to  Philadelphia,  in  order  to  settle  there  as  minister  of 
your  church,  if  your  congregation  and  I  can  agree  upon 
the  matter  ;  for  I  think  no  such  thing  should  be  done  with- 
out a  full  agreement  of  both  parties.  To  facilitate  the 
affair,  I  have  obtained  my  lord  of  London's  license,  and  a 
letter  from  him  to  you,  not  by  way  of  appointment  but  re- 
commendation, or  rather  his  approbation  of  it.  I  am  to 
go  over  in  the  Lancaster  man  of  war,  captain  Warren, 
along  with  the  governor  of  New  York,  captain  Clinton. 
We  are  to  sail  in  May,  and  hope  to  arrive  in  July.  If  we 
can  bring  all  things  to  bear  so  that  I  shs.ll  'remain  with 
you,  I  do  not  in  the  least  doubt  our  living  agreeably  to- 
gether. It  shall  be  my  study  to  do  my  part,  being  resolv- 
ed to  approve  myself  in  all  things, 

Your  affectionate  friend  and  servant, 

Robert  Jenney. 

London,  April  12th,  1742. 

In  reply  to  this,  the  vestry  directed  a  letter 
to  be  sent  to  New  York,  to  meet  Mr.  Jenney 
on  his  arrival  in  that  city,  expressing  their  de- 
sire to  receive  him  as  their  minister. 

October  20.     The  vestry  again  met,  when 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  77 

the  following  letters  from  Mr.  Jenney  and  the 
bishop  of  London  were  laid  before  them  : 

New  York,  Oct.  12th,  1742. 
Gentlemen, 

Having  arrived  yesterday,  I  received  your  kind  letter  of 
the  8th  of  July,  signifying  your  ready  compliance  with  my 
lord  of  London's  license  to  me  to  be  minister  of  your  con- 
gregation ;  and  professing  your  hope  that  by  our  joint  en- 
deavours, in  the  discharge  of  our  respective  duties  and 
obligations  to  each  other,  we  may,  by  the  blessing  of  God, 
live  together  in  that  peaceable  harmony  which  becomes 
true  members  of  the  Church  of  England.  I  thank  you 
heartily  for  the  first,  and  make  no  doubt  of  the  other,  since 
I  am  fully  resolved  by  the  grace  of  God,  if  we  come  together, 
to  do  my  part  toward  it,  and  make  no  question  of  the  con- 
gregation doing  theirs. 

But  whereas  I  am  credibly  informed  that  there  are  divi- 
sions amongst  you,  and  that  some  oppose  my  settlement 
there  ;  and  considering  that  I  am  easy  in  my  parish  of 
Hempstead,  and  am  indulged  by  my  superiors  the  liberty 
of  choosing  in  which  place  to  settle,  I  must  beg  the  favour 
to  be  informed  how  that  affair  stands,  and  withal  whether  I 
may  depend  upon  being  instated  in  the  same  rights  and 
privileges  which  the  late  reverend  Mr.  Cummings  enjoyed, 
without  which  I  cannot  think  of  removing  from  Hemp- 
stead. I  send  enclosed  my  lord  of  London's  letter,  and 
am 

Your  most  humble  servant, 

Robert  Jenney. 
Directed  to  William  Pyewell  and  John  Ross, 

Church  wardens  of  Philadelphia. 

7# 


78  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Whitehall,  March  29,  1742. 
Gentlemen, 

I  have  waited  a  good  while,  in  hopes  of  hearing  that  the 
differences  among  yourselves  about  a  new  minister  were 
adjusted,  and  that  you  had  unanimously  agreed  in  recom- 
mending some  worthy  person  to  be  licensed  by  me,  or  in 
desiring  me  to  send  such  an  one  from  hence.  It  could  not 
be  supposed  that  I  should  send  any  person  who  had  no 
other  concern  in  the  plantations,  under  an  uncertainty 
whether  he  would  be  received  or  not,  but  as  the  bearer, 
Mr.  Jenney,  is  and  has  long  been  a  missionary  from  the 
Society  here,  to  a  cure  in  the  province  of  New  York,  and 
is  a  person  whom  I  believe  to  be  exceedingly  well  qualified 
in  all  respects  to  succeed  your  late  worthy  minister,  Mr. 
Cummings ;  I  was  willing  upon  his  return  from  hence  to 
his  cure  in  New  York  to  grant  him  a  provisional  license  to 
your  church,  on  supposition  that  he  would  be  received 
there  in  such  a  manner  as  might  encourage  him  to  quit  his 
present  mission,  and  remove  to  Philadelphia. 

I  have  nothing  in  view  but  the  peace  and  welfare  of 
your  church,  and  earnestly  recommending  it  to  you  all  to 
pursue  the  same  good  end,  I  pray  for  the  divine  blessing 
upon  you  and  your  proceedings,  and  remain, 
Your  assured  friend, 

Edmund  London. 
For  the  gentlemen  of  the  vestry  at  Philadelphia. 

The  above  having  been  read,  it  was  "  Or- 
dered, that  the  wardens  forthwith  return  an 
answer  to  Mr.  Jenney's  letter,  and  invite  him 
hither,  under  the  same  privileges  and  advan- 
tages allowed  the  late  reverend  Mr.  Cummings, 
and  request  Mr.  Jenney  to  accept  and  approve 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  79 

of  the  reverend  Mr.  Eneas  Ross  to  be  his  as- 
sistant in  this  church." 

Dr.  Jenney  promptly  accepted  this  invitation, 
and  at  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  November  8th, 
he  produced  a  license  from  the  lord  bishop  of 
London,  appointing  him  minister  of  this  church, 
as  follows,  viz : 

Edmund,  by  divine  permission,  bishop  of  London,  to  our 
beloved  in  Christ,  Robert  Jenney,  Dr.  of  Laws,  clerk, 
greeting : 
We  do  hereby  give  and  grant  to  you,  in  whose  fidelity, 
morals,  learning,  sound  doctrine,  and  diligence,  we  do  fully 
confide,  our  license  and  authority,  to  continue  only  during 
our  pleasure,  to  perform  the  ministerial  office  in  Christ 
Church,  in  Philadelphia,  in  the  colony  of  Pennsylvania,  in 
reading  the  common  prayer  and  performing  other  ecclesi- 
astical duties  belonging  to  said  office,  according  to  the  form 
prescribed  in  the  book  of  common  prayer,  made  and  pub- 
lished by  authority  of  parliament,  and  the  canons  and 
constitutions  in  that  behalf  lawfully  established  and  pro- 
mulged,  and  not  otherwise,  nor  in  any  other  manner.  You 
having  first  before  us  subscribed  the  articles,  and  taken 
the  oaths,  which  in  this  case  are  by  law  required  to  be 
subscribed  and  taken.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have 
caused  our  episcopal  seal  to  be  hereto  affixed.  Dated  at 
Whitehall,  the  thirty-first  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  forty-two,  and 
in  the  nineteenth  year  of  our  translation. 

Edmund  [seal]  London. 

At  this  meeting  Dr.  Jenney  acquainted  the 


80  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

vestry  that  he  "  gladly  approved  of,  and  receiv- 
ed, the  reverend  Mr.  Eneas  Ross  for  his  assist- 
ant in  this  church."  The  following  address 
to  the  bishop  of  London,  Dr.  Gibson,  was  pre- 
pared and  signed  by  both  wardens,  and  sixteen 
vestrymen : 

To  the  right  reverend  Edmund,  lord  bishop  of  London. 
May  it  please  your  lordship, 

We,  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ 
Church  in  Philadelphia,  beg  leave  to  return  to  your  lord- 
ship our  grateful  acknowledgments,  for  your  fatherly  care 
and  regard  for  us,  in  approving  and  sending  over  the  rev- 
erend Dr.  Robert  Jenney  to  the  cure  of  this  church  ;  a 
person  so  exceedingly  well  qualified  for  so  great  a  trust ; 
and  we  have  well  grounded  hopes  that  by  his  wise  conduct 
and  pious  labours,  we  shall  continue  to  promote  that  peace 
and  unanimity  recommended  to  us  by  your  lordship's  mosr 
affectionate  letter,  which  we  heartily  thank  your  lordship 
for. 

We  have  the  pleasure  to  assure  your  lordship,  even  in 
the  short  time  the  reverend  Dr.  Jenney  has  been  among 
us,  it  appears  to  be  the  zealous  inclination  of  every  mem- 
ber of  our  numerous  congregation  to  recommend  them- 
selves to  your  lordship's  favour,  by  a  behaviour  becoming 
true  members  of  a  christian  church ;  and  the  more  effec- 
tually to  support  and  improve  the  happy  peace  and  unanim- 
ity in  our  church,  we  have  that  humble  confidence  in  your 
lordship's  known  goodness,  that  your  lordship  will  continue 
to  us  in  the  person  of  Dr.  Jenney,  those  usual  favours  of 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  81 

your  lordship's  fatherly  advice  and  assistance,  which  your 
lordship  has  always  shown  to  his  predecessors  here. 

May  your  lordship  long  continue  to  enjoy  the  dig- 
nified  station  in  which  you  are  deservedly  placed, 
in  health,    ease,  and   happiness,  is   the   ardent 
prayer  of,  may  it  please  your  lordship, 
Your  lordship's  most  dutiful 

Sons  and  Servants. 

The  following  remarks  on  the  above  corres- 
pondence are  so  judicious  and  appropriate, 
that  we  gladly  transfer  them  from  the  pages  of 
the  Episcopal  Magazine  of  1820. 

"  We  cannot  read  the  foregoing  papers,  and 
recur  to  the  circumstances  under  which  they 
were  written,  without  admiring  on  the  one 
hand,  the  prudent  and  pious  care  manifested 
by  the  bishop  of  London  over  this  distant  con- 
gregation, and  on  the  other  the  dignified 
course  pursued  by  the  vestry,  and  their  uniform 
submission  and  respect  to  that  authority  under 
which  they  were  placed.  The  relation  in 
which  a  bishop  stands  to  the  individual  church- 
es under  his  care  is  one  of  the  most  solemn 
and  interesting  which  can  well  be  conceived. 
If  he  be  a  conscientious  man,  and  under  the 
influence  of  that  high  responsibility  imposed 
upon  him  by  his  consecration  vows,  we  may 
suppose  his  whole  heart  engaged  in  the  pro- 
motion  of  the   great   ends   of  his  office,  his 


82  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

whole  time  devoted  to  serious  reflection  upon 
the  best  interests  of  the  flock  committed  to 
his  care  ;  and  all  his  opinions  are  intitled  to 
the  greatest  respect.  It  augurs  well  when 
such  authority  is  regarded  with  veneration, 
when  the  opinion  and  advice  of  the  bishop  is 
considered  paramount  to  individual  predilec- 
tions, and  the  people  under  rule  are  seen  on  all 
occasions  looking  up  to  their  spiritual  shep- 
herd, inquiring  the  way  at  his  hand.  This  we 
are  inclined  to  believe  is  a  greater  security  for 
that  order  which  constitutes  the  perfection  of 
our  ecclesiastical  institutions,  than  respect  for 
an  individual,  however  exalted,  or  well  deserv- 
ed ;  it  is  a  religious  principle  operating  under 
all  circumstances  to  the  promotion  of  the 
same  end,  while  the  other  will  always  be  found 
wavering  under  peculiar  embarrassments,  and 
preferring  private  prejudices  to  the  public  good. 
In  this  point  of  view  the  course  adopted  by 
the  vestry  in  relation  to  this  as  well  as  other 
circumstances  involving  the  superintendence  of 
the  bishop  of  London,  presents  an  example 
worthy  the  imitation  of  all  vestries ;  and  affords 
a  striking  evidence  of  the  superiority  of  our 
church  discipline,  when  it  is  exercised  with 
piety  and  judgment,  and  submitted  to  as  be- 
cometh  christians." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  83 

1743. 

April  16.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  this 
day,  it  was  "  Ordered,  that,  for  the  better  ac- 
commodating the  congregation  with  seats  in 
the  church,  the  west  end  gallery  be  forthwith 
run  out,  and  built  entirely  over  the  west  aisle." 
At  the  same  meeting  "  John  Kearsley  delivered 
in  a  petition  to  this  vestry,  greatly  complaining 
that  he  had  served  this  congregation  ever  since 
the  year  1727,  as  trustee  and  overseer  in  car- 
rying on  and  rebuilding  this  church,  and  that 
in  the  compass  of  full  five  years  in  that  time 
he  had  given  daily  attendance,  without  any  re- 
laxation from  that  service,  in  which  he  had 
greatly  neglected  his  private  affairs,  and  under- 
gone much  fatigue,  and  had  always  been  in 
advance  large  sums  of  money,  some  part  of 
which,  he  conceives,  has  not  been  discharged 
to  this  day ;  for  all  which  he  has  not  received 
any  consideration,  or  the  least  acknowledg- 
ment ;  but  instead  thereof  has  been  frequently 
loaded  with  calumny,  and  ill  treated  by  mem- 
bers of  this  congregation,  and  therefore  prays 
this  vestry  will  be  pleased  to  appoint  some  per- 
sons of  known  abilities,  to  audit  and  settle  his 
accounts,  that  he  may  for  the  future  be  acquit- 
ted or  condemned  of  the  calumnies  thrown  up- 
on him."     Whereupon,  a  committee  was  ap- 


84  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

pointed  for  the  purpose  of  auditing  and  settling 
Dr.  Kearsley's  accounts. 

July  14.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Eneas  Ross,  who 
had  been  for  some  time  an  assistant  to  Dr. 
Jenney,  found  it  necessary  to  resign  his  situa- 
tion in  Christ  Church,  for  reasons  given  in  the 
following  letter  from  him : 

To  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church, 

Philadelphia : 
Gentlemen, 

Lest  any  thing  should  be  misunderstood  that  I  am  now 
about  to  acquaint  you  with,  I  choose  to  deliver  the  same 
in  writing.  Upon  my  arrival  from  England  in  June,  1741, 
to  my  great  concern  I  found  this  church  vacant,  by  the 
death  of  our  late  worthy  pastor,  the  reverend  Mr.  Com- 
missary Cummings ;  upon  which  I  was  solicited,  among 
other  missionaries,  to  officiate  here  in  my  turn,  which, 
though  a  very  unequal  task  to  so  young  a  man,  under  the 
protection  of  Almighty  God,  I  consented  to ;  and  in  the 
fall  after,  by  a  message  from  the  then  vestry,  I  was  re- 
quested to  take  the  care  of  this  church  altogether  upon  me, 
until  my  lord  bishop  of  London's  pleasure,  upon  the  address 
by  this  vestry  to  his  lordship  sent,  should  be  known.  Under 
the  same  influence  and  protection,  I  undertook  that  great 
charge,  and  continued  the  same  'till  the  arrival  of  our  pre- 
sent worthy  commissary,  Doctor  Jenney,  to  whom  I  have 
had  the  pleasure,  some  months  past,  of  being  an  assistant ; 
and  should  in  that  station  cheerfully  have  continued,  so 
long  as  the  doctor  and  you  should  please  ;  but  having  the 
care  of  Oxford  and  White  Marsh  churches,  in  which  I 
have  officiated  for  some  time  past,  by  order  of  the  Society, 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  85 

and  my  health  being  much  impaired,  I  am  under  the  neces- 
sity, with  the  commissary's  and  your  leave,  to  retire  to 
Oxford.  I  heartily  give  you,  gentlemen,  and  all  the  con- 
gregation, thanks  for  their  regards  and  civilities  from  time 
to  time  shown  me.  I  shall  not  cease  to  make  my  supplica- 
tions to  Almighty  God,  for  your  and  their  temporal  and 
eternal  happiness,  promised  through  the  alone  merits  of 
our  Redeemer  and  only  Saviour  Christ. 
I  am,  gentlemen, 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

And  most  obliged  humble  servant, 
Eneas  Ross. 
Philadelphia,  14th  July,  1743. 

"  Upon  reading  of  which,  the  vestry  acknow- 
ledged the  great  service  the  reverend  Mr. 
Eneas  Ross  had  done  this  congregation,  dur- 
ing the  vacancy,  upon  the  death  of  the  rever- 
end Mr.  Archibald  Cummings,  by  his  diligent 
performance  of  the  divine  offices,  attended 
with  a  sober  and  religious  behaviour ;  for  which 
they  assured  him  they  should  at  all  times  think 
themselves  under  an  obligation  to  render  him  all 
the  good  services  in  their  power ;  and  heartily 
pray  for  his  health,  and  a  perfect  recovery  of  his 
strength  and  ability  to  discharge  the  weighty 
cures  under  his  mission." 

1744. 

August  27.  "  The  church  wardens  report  that 

8 


86  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  church  is  now  happily  finished,  and  that 
workmen  were  agreed  with,  and  materials  pur- 
chased to  proceed  on  rebuilding  and  regulating 
the  seats ;  and  that  they  had  proposed  for  the 
better  accommodating  the  congregation  with 
seats,  to  make  the  width  thereof  two  feet  eight 
inches,  according  to  the  size  of  seats  of  the 
kind  in  some  other  places ;  but  it  being  observ- 
ed that  the  seats  in  St.  Martin's  church  in  Lon- 
don were  two  feet  nine  inches  wide,  resolved, 
that  the  width  of  the  long  seats  in  the  body  of 
the  church  be  two  feet  and  nine  inches,  and  no 
more." 

October  23.  The  committee  appointed  to 
audit  and  settle  the  accounts  of  Dr.  John 
Kearsley,  after  stating  the  balance  due  him, 
say,  "  And  we  do  further  report,  that  in  the 
course  of  examination  of  the  said  accounts  and 
vouchers  to  us  produced,  it  appears  that  the 
said  Doctor  John  Kearsley  has  been  at  great 
pains  and  trouble,  beside  an  almost  constant 
attendance,  both  in  the  providing  and  agreeing 
with  proper  workmen,  for  the  several  sorts  of 
employments,  and  the  payment  to  them  in  al- 
most numberless  small  articles.  And  we  are 
of  opinion  that  the  uniformity  and  beauty  of  the 
structure,  so  far  as  it  appears  now  finished,  is 
greatly  owing  to  the  assiduity,  care,  pains,  and 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  87 

labour  of  him  the  said  Doctor  John  Kearsley, 
and  that  he  stands  fully  entitled  to  the  thanks 
and  particular  acknowledgments  of  the  vestry, 
and  also  of  the  congregation,  and  that  he  should 
be  entreated  to  continue  his  farther  care  and 
circumspection  henceforth,  for  the  completion 
thereof."  The  above  report  being  read,  it  was 
"  Resolved,  "  that  the  thanks  of  this  vestry,  as 
also  of  the  congregation,  are  due  to  Doctor 
Kearsley,  for  his  care  and  labour  in  carrying  on 
the  rebuilding  of  this  church." 

"  For  building  the  outside  of  the  church, 
which  was  done  at  two  several  times,  the  sum 
expended  and  paid  by  Dr.  Kearsley  was  £2197. 
1 5s.  3d."  This  last  entry  is  made  in  Dr.  Kears- 
ley's  own  hand-writing,  on  the  minutes  of  the 
vestry  kept  by  him,  and  signed  by  himself. 

November  6.  It  was  reported  "  that  the 
seats  in  the  body  of  the  church  were  now  under 
the  workmen's  hands,  and  that  they  would  be 
ready  to  be  put  up  in  a  few  days." 

"  A  beautiful  chandelier  of  24  branches, 
brought  by  Capt.  Seymour,  from  London,"  is 
purchased  of  him  for  £56.  This  is  probably 
the  same  that  now  hangs  suspended  over  the 
centre  aisle. 


88  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1745. 

February  8.  "  The  vestry  being  informed 
that  thirty-six  seats  in  the  body  of  the  church 
are  already  finished,  and  that  the  church  war- 
dens find  great  difficulty  in  finishing  the  rest, 
because  some  members  of  the  congregation 
were  dissatisfied  with  the  manner  of  altering 
the  double  seats  into  single  ones,  and  this  ves- 
try being  also  informed  that  by  altering  the 
said  double  seats  into  single  ones,  it  would  lose 
one  seat  in  six,  and  that  there  were  a  great 
number  of  persons  wholly  destitute  of  seats  in 
the  church,  Ordered,  therefore,  that  the  residue 
of  the  seats  which  are  now  double,  be  contin- 
ued and  rebuilt  in  the  place  and  manner  they 
now  are." 

It  would  seem  from  the  above,  that  all  the 
pews  were  rebuilt  at  this  time ;  in  consequence 
of  which,  "  the  ninth  pew,  counting  from  the 
west  aisle,  was  gained,"  and  "  some  persons," 
therefore,  "  pretended  a  right  to  remove  one 
seat  nigher  the  pulpit,"  and  thereby  occassion- 
ed  "great  dissorders  in  the  congregation." 
To  remedy  this  evil,  the  vestry  resolve  how 
the  pews  shall  be  occupied ;  and  among  other 
provisions  it  is  determined,  "  that  the  propri- 
etary's family  shall  sit  in  the  seat  gained  by  the 
late  regulation." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  89 

1746. 

April  24.  "  Ordered,  that  the  church  war- 
dens agree  with  the  workmen  to  go  on  with 
the  pews  on  both  sides,  and  the  west  end  of  the 
church,  and  pay  for  the  same  out  of  the  box 
money,  as  it  shall  be  collected." 

June  2.  "  The  meeting  of  this  vestry  was 
to  consider  on  and  view  the  several  drafts 
of  a  tower  and  spire,  in  order  to  agree  upon 
one  to  be  erected  to  this  church,  and  after 
some  time  spent  thereon,  it  was  agreed  and 
concluded  upon,  that  in  erecting  the  spire  the 
draft  which  Mr.  Harrison  drew  should  be  fol- 
lowed ;  and  that  Mr.  Jenney,  with  the  war- 
dens, and  two  of  the  vestry,  viz. :  Mr.  Thomas 
Lawrence  and  Mr.  Richard  Peters,  wait  upon 
his  honour  the  governor  with  the  plan  agreed 
upon  by  the  vestry." 

July  21.  The  society  for  the  propagation 
of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  address  a  letter 
to  the  vestry,  dated  "  Charter  House,  April  8, 
1746,"  offering  to  "  allow  a  salary  of  £30.  per 
annum  for  the  settling  a  catechetical  lecturer . 
in  the  church  in  Philadelphia,  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  negroes  and  others,"  and  request  that, 
if  a  suitable  person  can  be  found  for  that  sta- 
tion, he  may  be  sent  over  to  England  to  re- 
ceive "  deacons'  and  priests'  orders." 

8* 


90  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

September  11.  "  The  church  wardens  ac- 
quainted the  vestry  that  the  pews  on  the  south 
aisle  next  the  wall  are  now  finished,  and  that  a 
great  many  persons  had  applied  for  sittings  in 
the  church." 

December  6.     At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry, 
Dr.  Jenney  laid  before  them  a  letter  from  the 
Rev.  Henry  Barclay,  of  New  York,  recom- 
mending a  young  man  by  the  name  of  Stur- 
geon as  an   assistant  in  Christ  Church,  "  and 
after  some  consideration  had  thereon,"  it  was 
suggested  by  Dr.  Jenney  that  he  would  be  "  a 
suitable  person  to  recommend  to  the  society 
for   propagating  the  Gospel  in   foreign  parts, 
for  a  catechist  and  assistant ;"  but,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  being  an  entire  stranger  to  them, 
they  deferred  further  action  until  they  have  a 
more  particular  character  of  his  learning  and 
abilities,  and  the  sobriety  of  his  life  and  con- 
versation, from   persons   that  have  had  long 
acquaintance  and  knowledge  of  him.     In  Jan- 
uary following,  a  letter  is  addressed  to  the  so- 
ciety for  propagating  the   Gospel  in   foreign 
parts,  thanking  them  for  their  generous  offer 
of  £30.  per  annum  for  the  support  of  a  cate- 
chist, "  for  the  instruction  of  negroes  and  oth- 
ers," accepting  the  same,  and  recommending 
Mr.  Sturgeon  for  that  station,  he  having  pre- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  91 

viously  produced  satisfactory  testimonials  of 
character,  piety  and  learning.  At  the  same 
time  provision  was  made  to  defray  Mr.  Stur- 
geon's expenses  to  England,  to  receive  orders. 
At  the  close  of  their  letter  to  the  Society,  they 
say,  "Mr.  William  Sturgeon,  a  young  gentleman 
of  Yale  College  in  Connecticut,  came  to  this 
city  and  offered  himself  to  our  rector  and  con- 
gregation, and  being  well  recommended  by 
some  of  the  society's  missionaries,  and  other 
gentlemen  of  reputation,  we  recommend  him  to 
the  society  for  catechist,  praying  that  he  may 
at  the  same  time  officiate  as  assistant  to  the 
rector  for  the  time  being.  We  pray  fervently 
that  the  pious  labours  of  the  society  may  have 
every  where  their  desired  success,  and  that  this 
their  reasonable  support  in  favour  of  our  congre- 
gation in  particular,  may  answer  all  their  purpo- 
ses, and  prove  the  means  of  making  our  holy  reli- 
gion appear  to  more  advantage  in  the  eyes  of 
sectaries,  and  of  winning  abundance  of  souls  over 
to  the  pure  worship  of  Almighty  God,  accord- 
ing to  the  forms  and  constitutions  of  our  most 
excellent  church." 

1747. 

May  11.     The  vestry  pass  a  vote  of  thanks 
and  order  a  piece  of  plate  of  the  value  of  forty 


92  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

pounds,  to  be  "  given  in  the  name  of  the  vestry 
and  congregation,  to  Doctor  John  Kearsley, 
for  his  care  and  trouble  in  rebuilding  and  or- 
namenting the  church,  and  as  a  lasting  memo- 
rial and  grateful  acknowledgment  of  his  ser- 
vices done  for  this  church  and  congregation; 
and  that  it  be  made  of  such  form  and  figure  as 
the  doctor  himself  shall  choose  and  direct,  and 
that  such  an  inscription  be  engraven  thereon 
as  shall  be  devised  by  the  committee"  appoint- 
ed by  the  vestry.  Rev.  Dr.  Jenney,  Mr.  Peters, 
and  Mr.  Morgan  were  the  committee. 

May  27.  The  honourable  George  Thomas, 
governor  of  the  province,  being  about  to  return 
to  England,  the  rector,  wardens  and  vestry- 
men waited  upon  him  with  an  address,  in 
which  they  say,  we  "return  you  our  un- 
feigned thanks  for  your  generous  benefac- 
tions to  our  church,  and  for  your  charities  to 
the  poor  of  our  congregation."  In  his  reply, 
the  governor,  after  thanking  them  for  their 
kindness,  says,  "  as  I  am  a  member  of  the 
Church  of  England  from  judgment  as  well  as 
education,  I  cannot  but  wish  the  advancement 
of  your  society.  Permit  me,  therefore,  to  re- 
commend to  you  a  constant  harmony  amongst 
yourselves,  and  a  christian  charity  for  such  as 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  93 

differ  from  you,  as  the  most  likely  means  of 
engaging  them  to  unite  with  you." 

October  30.  Mr.  Sturgeon,  having  returned 
from  England,  is  introduced  to  the  vestry  by 
Dr.  Jenney,  as  assistant  to  the  rector,  and  cat- 
echist  to  the  negroes.  Having  submitted  to 
the  vestry  his  letters  of  orders,  and  the  certifi- 
cates of  his  appointments,  he  also  delivered  the 
following  letter  "  directed  to  the  church  war- 
dens and  vestry,  from  Mr.  Bearcroft,  secretary 
to  the  society." 

"  Worthy  gentlemen, 

The  society  for  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts 
have  consented  to  your  request  in  appointing  Mr.  Sturgeon 
to  be  their  assistant  to  the  worthy  rector  of  your  church, 
in  the  offices  of  religion,  upon  your  promise  to  make  such 
an  addition  to  the  society's  salary  of  £30.  per  annum  to  Mr. 
Sturgeon  as  catechist  to  the  negroes,  as  shall  be  a  comfort- 
able and  decent  maintenance  for  him  ;  not  doubting  your 
making  good  this  promise  in  the  most  liberal  sense,  and 
hoping  that  Mr.  Sturgeon,  by  his  prudent  conduct,  dili- 
gence in  his  station,  and  good  life,  will  deserve  it  of  you ; 
and  heartily  recommending  you  to  God's  blessings,  I  am, 
gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servant, 

Philip  Bearcroft,  Secretary." 

After  reading  the  above,  the  vestry  "Resolv- 
ed, that  Mr.  Sturgeon  be  inducted  into  this 
church,  and  he  is  now  admitted  to  exercise  the 
offices  of  religion  therein,  as  assistant  to  Mr. 


94  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Jenney,  and  as  catechist  to  the  negroes,  ac- 
cording to  the  society's  letter." 

1749. 

April  21.  The  following  appears  on  the  min- 
utes of  the  vestry,  at  a  meeting  held  this  day : 
"  Whereas  it  has  been  observed  by  several  of 
the  vestry  that  many  inconveniences  arise  to 
this  church  from  want  of  being  incorporated,  it 
was  therefore  concluded  that  a  proper  applica- 
tion for  a  charter  should  be  made  to  the  hon- 
ourable James  Hamilton,  our  governor ;  and 
Mr.  Richard  Peters  is  desired  to  learn  from  his 
honour  whether  such  an  application  would  be 
pleasing  to  him,  and  in  what  manner  it  had 
best  be  done ;  and  he  is  to  make  report  of  his 
doings  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  vestry." 

At  a  subsequent  meeting,  April  25th,  "  Mr. 
Peters  reported  that  he  had  represented  to  the 
governor  the  inconveniences  attending  our 
church  for  want  of  a  charter  of  incorporation ; 
and  that  the  governor  was  pleased  to  say  he 
would  be  glad  of  any  opportunity  of  promoting 
the  interests  of  the  church,  and  if  the  vestry 
thought  a  charter  of  incorporation  would  be  of 
service,  and  should  present  their  petition  to  him 
for  that  purpose,  together  with  a  draft  of  what 
they  think  fit  to  be  inserted  in  such  charter, 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  95 

they  might  promise  themselves  success,  if  the 
matter  thereof  be  such  as  he  could  grant. 
Whereupon,  Thomas  Lawrence,  Esq.,  Abra- 
ham Taylor,  Esq.,  John  Kearsley,  Thomas 
Leech,  and  Richard  Peters,  together  with  the 
church  wardens,  are  appointed  a  committee  to 
prepare  drafts  of  a  petition  and  charter,  and 
lay  them  before  the  vestry  for  approbation."  A 
rough  draft  of  the  proposed  charter  was  laid 
before  the  vestry  by  this  committee,  in  Decem- 
ber of  the  present  year,  and  after  some  debate 
thereon,  was  referred  back  to  them,  with  in- 
structions to  amend  the  same.  In  February 
following  the  committee  report  progress,  and 
ask  leave  to  be  continued.  The  draft  of  the 
charter  was  again  brought  into  vestry,  April 
24,  1750,  but  the  consideration  thereof  was 
postponed  until  the  next  meeting. 

For  causes  which  do  not  appear  in  the  min- 
utes, no  charter  was  obtained  until  1765,  when 
St.  Peter's  church  being  finished,  both  churches 
were  included  in  the  charter  which  was  then 
granted. 

April  25.  A  committee  appointed  to  draft 
an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Dr.  Bearcroft,  secre- 
tary of  the  society  for  propagating  the  Gospel 
in  foreign  parts,  submitted  the  following,  which 


96  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

was  read,  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  signed 
by  the  church  wardens. 

Philadelphia,  April  25th,  1749. 
Reverend  Sir, 

We  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
obliging  letter  of  the  28th  of  May,  1747,  wherein  you  in- 
form the  church  wardens  and  vestry  of  this  church,  that 
the  society  had  consented  to  Mr.  Sturgeon's  being  an  as- 
sistant to  our  minister,  on  their  promise  to  make  such  an 
addition  to  .the  society's  salary  of  thirty  pounds  a  year, 
granted  him  as  catechist  to  the  negroes,  as  should  be  a 
comfortable  and  decent  maintenance  to  him.  We  should 
not  have  delayed  our  answer  so  long,  had  it  not  been  with 
the  consent,  and  indeed  in  a  great  measure  at  the  instance, 
of  Mr.  Sturgeon  himself ;  who,  knowing  that  the  congre- 
gation was  not  out  of  debt,  on  account  of  the  large  church 
they  have  been  building,  as  well  as  that  there  were  no  funds 
out  of  which  a  salary  could  be  raised  for  him,  but  that  he 
must  depend  on  the  voluntary  contributions  of  the  mem- 
bers, desired  he  might  have  an  opportunity  of  endeavour- 
ing to  obtain  the  affections  of  the  congregation  by  his  beha- 
viour ;  and  that  no  collection  might  be  made  until  the  end 
of  the  year. 

We  have  now  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  Mr.  Stur- 
geon has  rendered  himself  agreeable  to  the  congregation ; 
and,  considering  his  youth,  and  the  stinted  education  given 
in  the  American  colleges,  he  discharges  extremely  well  the 
offices  of  his  function,  and  will,  we  do  not  doubt,  continue 
to  give  entire  satisfaction. 

In  return,  Mr.  Jenney  gives  him  half  his  perquisites, 
and  the  congregation  have,  by  voluntary  contribution,  pre- 
sented him  the  sum  of  sixty  pounds  ;  and  we  think  this  at 
least  will  be  annually  raised  for  him,  and  perhaps  a  larger 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  97 

sum,  as  he  comes  to  be  more  intimately  acquainted  with 
the  people.  We  are  thankful  to  the  society  for  their  al- 
lowance of  a  salary  for  a  catechist  for  the  negroes,  who  are 
very  numerous  here,  being  the  servants  much  used  by 
many  people  ;  and  we  take  this  opportunity  of  making  you 
the  acknowledgments  of  the  congregation,  and  our  own, 
for  the  favours  you  have  shown  us,  and  are,  &c. 
Signed  by  order. 

Evan  Morgan,  )  ~,        ,  7 

Townsend  White,    \  Church  ™™dens. 

1750. 

July  25.  "  Whereas  Dr.  Jenney,  our  minis- 
ter, consents  to  relinquish  the  pew  rents,  and  to 
accept  of  the  certain  sum  of  two  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  current  money  per  annum,  provided 
that  the  vestry  will  repair  the  parsonage  house, 
it  is  therefore  now  agreed  by  this  present  ves- 
try, that  they  accordingly  do  take  the  pews 
under  their  care  for  a  year ;  and  that  the  sum 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  for  one  year, 
be  paid  by  the  vestry  unto  Doctor  Robert  Jen- 
ney, in  two  equal  half  yearly  payments,  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds  each,  out  of 
the  money  to  be  collected  for  the  rents  of  the 
pews.  It  is  also  ordered  that  the  charge  of 
repairing  the  parsonage  house  be  paid  off  by 
the  church  wardens,  out  of  the  box  money." 
The  amount  collected  on  pews  for  one  half 
year,  was  £154. 13s.  4c?. 

9 


98  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1751. 

March  11.  A  proposition  is  brought  for- 
ward, at  this  meeting  of  the  vestry,  "  for  build- 
ing a  steeple  and  providing  bells ;  and  it  was 
reported  by  several  members  that  there  is  a 
hearty  inclination  to  the  thing  in  the  inhabi- 
tants of  this  city,  not  only  of  our  own  church, 
but  in  sundry  persons  of  other  religious  socie- 
ties. It  was  therefore  unanimously  agreed 
that  a  subscription  for  that  purpose  shall  be 
immediately  begun  and  carried  on,  under  the 
care  and  direction  of  the  minister,  Dr.  Jenney, 
and  the  church  wardens  for  the  time  being,  who 
may  call  to  their  assistance  any  members  of  the 
vestry  or  congregation,  all  of  them  being  hereby 
earnestly  desired  to  give  their  ready  and  cheer- 
ful help.  And  it  is  further  agreed  that  the 
aforesaid  persons  get  a  subscription  book  ready 
and  as  soon  as  is  convenient  wait  on  the  hon- 
ourable James  Hamilton,  our  governor,  to  get 
him  to  subscribe  such  sum  as  he  shall  think 
proper  for  a  beginning  of  this  work." 

The  original  subscription  book,  with  about 
three  hundred  signatures,  is  now  in  possession 
of  the  vestry ;  and  is  headed  as  follows,  viz  : 

"Philadelphia,  18th  March,  1750-51. 
Whereas  many  well  disposed   inhabitants  of  this  city- 
have  declared  their  desire  that  there  might  be  a  fit  and 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  99 

commodious  steeple  built  upon  the  foundation  already  laid 
some  years  ago,  by  the  care  and  pious  benevolence  of  the 
church  at  that  time,  and  that  a  set  of  bells  may  be  provided 
to  be  placed  therein,  which  work  will  be  an  ornament,  as 
well  as  a  credit  to  this  city, 

Therefore,  in  order  to  defray  the  charge  of  building  said 
steeple  and  purchasing  bells,  we,  whose  names  are  under- 
written, do  promise  to  pay  unto  the  church  wardens  of 
Christ  Church  in  Philadelphia,  for  the  time  being,  or  to 
such  other  persons  as  the  vestry  of  said  church  shall  ap- 
point to  receive  the  same,  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be 
by  us  respectively  subscribed.  In  witness  whereof  we 
have  hereunto  set  our  names  the  date  above  written." 

The  governor  subscribed  fifty  pounds,  the  Rev.  Robert 
Jenney,  John  Kearsley  and  John  Ross,  each  twenty  pounds; 
Richard  Peters  twenty-five  pounds.  Among  other  names 
of  persons  who  subscribed  liberally  to  this  object,  we  find 
those  of  Evan  Morgan,  Townsend  White,  William  Cly- 
mer,  Jacob  Duche,  Thomas  Leech,  William  Pyewell, 
Richard  Sewell,  Peter  Bard,  William  Bingham,  Henry 
Elwes,  Thomas  Lawrence,  Jr.,  Joseph  Redman,  David 
Hall,  John  Baynton,  William  Parr,  Henry  Harrison,  Ben- 
jamin Franklin,  Watt  Goodman,  Charles  Stedman,  Wil- 
liam Plumsted,  John  Wilcocks,  Edward  Shippen,  Charles 
Meredith,  James  Read,  Joseph  Sims,  Philip  Syng,  William 
Murdock,  Enoch  Hobart,  Andrew  Bankson,  Redmond  Con- 
yngham,  Elias  Boudinot,  William  Franklin,  Samuel  Car- 
penter, Joseph  Turner. 

April  16.  "  Ordered,  that  John  Kearsley, 
Thomas  Leech,  Jacob  Duche,  and  Richard 
Sewell  be  the  supervisors  for  carrying  on  the 


100  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

steeple,  and  that  Jacob  Duche  be  the  treasurer 
for  receiving  the  money  raised  for  that  use." 

April  29.  "  Ordered,  that  the  present  man- 
agers for  carrying  on  the  building  of  the  stee- 
ple do  forthwith  proceed  to  employ  such  proper 
workmen,  and  provide  such  necessary  materi- 
als for  the  speedy  accomplishing  the  said  work, 
as  they  think  proper." 

1752. 

October  27.  "  The  vestry,  considering  the 
state  of  the  steeple,  and  the  necessity  there  is 
for  a  greater  supply  of  money  to  finish  the 
same,  Resolved,  that  the   sum  of  be 

raised  by  way  of  lottery,  and  that  a  scheme 
of  a  lottery  be  drawn  up  in  order  to  raise  the 
same." 

October  30.  "The  vestry  being  met  ac- 
cording to  adjournment,  to  consider  on  a  way 
of  raising  money,  for  finishing  the  steeple  and 
purchasing  a  set  of  bells,  by  a  lottery,  a 
scheme  for  raising  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
and  twelve  pounds  ten  shillings,  by  a  deduction 
of  fifteen  pounds  per  cent,  on  eighteen  thou- 
sand Spanish  dollars,  commonly  called  pieces 
of  eight,  to  be  raised  by  the  sale  of  four  thou- 
sand  five  hundred  tickets,  at   four  pieces  of 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  101 

eight  each  ticket,  was  presented  by  Henry 
Harrison,  and  agreed  to." 

"  The  following  persons  are  appointed  to  be 
Managers,  viz.: — Thomas  Lawrence,  Sen., 
Abraham  Taylor,  Benjamin  Franklin,  Charles 
Stedman,  John  Kearsley,  Sen.,  Henry  Harri- 
son, James  Humphreys,  Joseph  Redman,  Evan 
Morgan,  Thomas  Leech,  Henry  Elwes,  John 
Baynton  and  Jacob  Duche ;  who  are  to  give 
bond,  and  be  on  oath,  for  the  faithful  perform- 
ance of  their  trust." 

The  tickets  were  to  be  sold  by  the  managers 
at  their  respective  dwellings,  and  the  drawing 
was  to  commence  on  the  first  day  of  March 
following,  or  sooner  if  practicable. 

In  setting  forth  this  scheme  the  vestry  say, 
"  As  there  seemed  to  be  an  inclination  in  the 
inhabitants  of  this  city,  to  have  the  steeple 
built  upon  the  foundation  laid  many  years  ago, 
the  vestry  were  encouraged  to  attempt  a  sub- 
scription ;  but  as  all  the  money  they  could 
raise,  including  what  little  is  yet  outstanding, 
falls  much  short  of  the  sum  necessary  to  com- 
plete the  work,  as  will  be  shown  by  a  state  of 
the  account  of  what  is  already  done  ;  they  are 
therefore  under  a  necessity  to  take  this  method, 
or  the  building  remain  unfinished.  We  hope 
that  a  work  of  this  kind,  which  is  purely  orna- 

9* 


102  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

mental,  will  meet  with  encouragement  from  all 
well-wishers  to  the  credit,  beauty,  and  prosper- 
ity of  Philadelphia." 

1753. 

February  22.  The  sum  raised  by  the  sale  of 
the  lottery  tickets  not  being  sufficient  to  finish 
the  steeple,  it  was  agreed  in  vestry,  that  "  a 
sum  equal  to  that  already  raised,  to  be  applied 
for  finishing  the  steeple,  purchasing  a .  ring  of 
bells,  and  a  good  clock,  should  be  raised  by  a 
supplement  to  the  lottery."  The  same  mana- 
gers were  appointed  as  before,  and  much  the 
same  scheme  was  adopted.  The  last  lottery 
was  drawn  in  June,  1753. 

March  19.  "It  being  represented  to  the 
vestry  by  the  Rev.  Doctor  Robert  Jenney,  that 
some  gentlemen  from  the  south  end  of  the  city 
had  waited  on  him  to  acquaint  him  they  were 
going  to  build  a  new  church,  desiring  his  opin- 
ion and  encouragement ;  the  vestry  taking  the 
same  into  consideration,  appointed  Henry  Har- 
rison, Jacob  Duche,  and  Evan  Morgan  a  com- 
mittee in  conjunction  with  him,  to  draw  up 
their  sentiments  thereon,  and  lay  the  same  be- 
fore the  vestry  at  their  meeting  on  Wednesday 
next."  This  was  the  first  movement  in  refer- 
ence to  the  building  of  St.  Peter's  Church.     At 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  103 

the  next  meeting  of  the  vestry,  March  21,  it 
was  recommended  "  that  Dr.  Jenney  himself 
should  answer  the  gentlemen,  according  to  his 
promise,  pursuant  to  which  a  draft  of  a  letter 
from  the  doctor  was  produced,  and  upon  peru- 
sal of  the  same,  it  was  agreed  that  the  said 
letter  be  sent  by  him."  Nothing  further  was 
done  in  this  matter  for  five  years. 

April  12.  "  The  Rev.  Dr.  Bearcroft,  secre- 
tary to  the  society  for  propagating  the  Gospel 
in  foreign  parts,  having  by  letter  acquainted 
the  Rev.  Doctor  Robert  Jenney,  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Charles  Chambres  had  left  a  hundred 
pounds  sterling,  for  books  to  be  given  and  dis- 
posed of  as  the  said  society  should  direct,  and 
that  they  accordingly  had  given  them  to  the 
use  of  Christ  Church  in  Philadelphia,  under  the 
care  and  direction  of  the  minister  and  vestry 
of  the  said  church ;  and  the  books  having  ar- 
rived," a  vote  of  thanks  is  passed  to  the  society 
for  the  same. 

The  number  of  books  given  by  the  society 
was  347  ;  viz.,  121  folios,  19  quartos,  and  207 
octavos. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  vestry,  in 
May,  the  following  letter  of  thanks  was  ordered 
to  be  sent  to  the  society,  by  Captain  Mesnard, 
the  person  who  brought  out  the  books : — 


104  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Philadelphia,  May  31st,  1753. 
Very  Reverend  Sir, 

We,  the  minister,  church  wardens,  and  vestrymen,  hav- 
ing seen  your  letter  acquainting  that  a  late  reverend  gen- 
tleman hath  been  so  piously  disposed  as  to  bequeath  his 
books  to  the  honourable  society  for  propagating  the  Gos- 
pel, &c,  to  be  made  a  parochial  library  in  some  place  in 
America,  and  that  the  honourable  society  hath  preferred 
our  church,  and  sent  them  accordingly,  do  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  them  by  Captain  Mesnard;  and  in  the  name  and 
behalf  of  our  congregation,  return  the  sincere  thankfulness 
of  most  grateful  hearts  for  the  unmerited  favour  ;  and  are 
fully  purposed  to  apply  them  in  such  a  manner  as  we  hope 
will  answer  the  pious  design  of  the  bequeather  and  donors. 
According  to  your  direction,  in  your  letter  of  January 
13th,  we  are  about  fitting  proper  conveniences  for  them, 
along  with  those  given  to  our  church  by  the  late  pious 
Queen  Anne,  and  some  other  well  disposed  persons.  And 
we  shall  make  such  rules  concerning  them,  as  to  secure 
them  from  being  damaged  or  lost;  and  render  them  as 
generally  useful  as  possibly  we  can. 

That  Almighty  God  will  please  to  bless  the  pious  and 
charitable  labours  of  that  honourable  body,  in  promoting 
true  religion  in  these  remote  parts  of  his  majesty's  domi- 
nions, is  the  hearty  prayer  of, 
Very  reverend  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

C  Robert  Jenney. 
Done  in  vestry  per  order.       <  Henry  Harrison. 

(  James  Humphreys. 
To  the  very  reverend  Doctor  Philip  Bearcroft,  secretary  to 
the  honourable  society  for  propagating  the  Gospel, 
&c,  at  the  Charter  house,  London. 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  105 

July  28.  In  consequence  of  "  the  inconve- 
niences attending  burials  going  so  late  after 
the  time  of  invitation,  Ordered,  that  for  the  fu- 
ture every  burial  move  an  hour  after  the  time 
of  invitation ;  and  notice  of  this  order  be  giv- 
en in  the  church  every  morning  and  afternoon, 
for  four  succeeding  Sundays." 

October  29.  "  The  vestry  being  met,  took 
into  consideration  what  sum  of  money  would 
be  necessary  to  send  to  England  for  purchasing 
a  ring  of  bells,  and  agreed  that  the  sum  of  se- 
ven hundred  and  thirty-one  pounds  five  shil- 
lings currency,  should  be  laid  out  in  purchasing 
a  bill  of  exchange  of  four  hundred  and  fifty 
pounds  sterling,  to  be  employed  in  purchasing 
a  ring  of  eight  bells,  the  tenor  to  way  about 
eighteen  hundred  weight,  and  the  rest  in  pro- 
portion. And  the  treasurer  is  ordered  to  pay 
the  said  sum  into  the  hands  of  Henry  Harri- 
son, who  is  desired  to  purchase  the  said  bill. 
Townsend  White,  Peter  Turner,  and  Henry 
Harrison  are  appointed  a  committee  to  remit 
the  aforesaid  bill,  and  write  to  Messrs.  David 
Barclay  and  Sons,  and  Mr.  Lawrence  Williams, 
merchants  in  London,  to  request  their  assist- 
ance in  purchasing  the  aforesaid  ring  of  bells, 
and  send  them  to  us  on  the  easiest  terms  they 
can." 


106  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1754. 

September  26.  The  money  remitted  to 
England  not  being  sufficient  to  purchase  the 
bells,  a  further  appropriation  of  sixty  pounds 
ten  shillings  sterling  was  made ;  and  again  in 
November  a  still  further  sum  of  £60.  7s.  8c?., 
sterling ;  all  of  which  was  remitted  to  David 
Barclay  and  Sons.  Their  letter,  announcing 
the  shipment  of  the  bells,  is  as  follows : 

London,  16  August,  1754. 
Respected  Friends, 

Inclosed  is  invoice  and  bill  lading  for  8  casks  and  3 
cases,  marked  P.  No.  1  a  11,  containing  eight  bells,  &c, 
shipped  on  board  the  Myrtilla,  Capt.  Budden,  amounting  to 
£560.  7s.  8d,  and  annexed  to  the  invoice  you  will  find 
particular  directions  for  hanging  them.  As  the  founders 
whom  we  employed  are  the  persons  who  have  made  almost 
all  the  bells  in  and  about  this  city,  we  doubt  not  but  these 
will  meet  with  your  approbation. 

We  are  respectfully,  your  assured  friends, 

David  Barclay  &  Sons. 
Henry  Harrison,  Peter  Turner,  and  Townsend  White. 

November  26.  A  committee  is  appointed 
to  "  treat  with  the  man  who  came  from  London 
with  Captain  Starling,  to  know  on  what  terms 
he  will  hang  the  bells,  and  make  report  thereof 
to  the  next  vestry." 

December  28.  "  Ordered  that  the  old  spin- 
dle and  vane,  belonging  to  Christ  Church  in 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  107 

Philadelphia,  when  taken  down,  be  delivered  to 
Mr.  John  Ross,  for  the  use  of  Emanuel  Church 
in  New  Castle." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon,  who  had  been  as- 
sistant to  Dr.  Jenney,  and  catechist  to  the 
negroes  for  seven  years,  appears  from  the  follow- 
ing letter  from  the  secretary  of  the  society,  to 
have  given  great  satisfaction  by  his  ministerial 
labours. 

Charter  House,  October  19th,  1754. 
Reverend  Sir, 

Your  several  letters  are  come  duly  to  hand  ;  and,  before 
the  recommendation  of  you  by  the  rector  and  church 
wardens  arrived,  the  society  had  taken  notice  of  your 
great  pains  and  diligence  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and 
ordered  you  a  gratuity  of  ten  pounds,  which  you  may 
draw  for  when  you  please,  over  and  above  your  salary,  on 
Edward  Pearson,  Esq.,  their  treasurer,  in  Barton  street 
Westminster ;  and  if  upon  the  representation  in  your 
favour,  the  society  shall  think  proper  to  do  any  thing  far- 
ther, you  shall  have  due  notice  of  it  ;  but  I  am  apt  to 
believe  the  society  will  desire  to  know  first  what  the  ves- 
try itself  does  for  you,  to  see  whether  they,  who  express 
themselves  so  very  sensible  of  your  deserts,  have  on  their 
part  made  the  proper  return  to  you.  With  this  come  some 
Bibles,  Common  Prayer  Books,  &c,  for  the  negroes,  and 
to  be  distributed  at  your  best  discretion.  That  God  may 
bless  you,  and  that  you  may,  in  due  time,  receive  the  re- 
ward of  your  pious  labours,  is  the  hearty  prayer  of  your 
Very  humble,  and  affection9  servant  and  brother, 

Philip  Bearcroft. 
To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon,  catechist  to  the  negroes  in 
Philadelphia. 


108  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1755. 

August  23.  "  Mr.  Jacob  Duche,  treasurer 
of  the  money  raised  for  building  the  steeple, 
&c.,  having  paid  away  all  the  cash  which  came 
into  his  hands  by  subscriptions  and  lotteries 
for  that  purpose,  amounting  to  £3162.  95.  lie?., 
and  closed  his  accounts,  now  desired  they  may  be 
examined ;  and  as  he  was  appointed  by  the  ves- 
try one  of  the  superintendents  for  carrying  on 
the  work,  prays  that  he  may  now  be  discharged 
in  like  manner."  The  vestry  find  the  accounts 
correct,  and  "  return  their  hearty  thanks  to 
Mr.  Duche,  for  his  great  faithfulness,  care  and 
pains  in  the  above  mentioned  service."  Mr. 
Duche's  account,  as  treasurer  for  Christ 
Church  steeple  fund,  is  as  follows,  viz. : — 

"  By  subscription  before  the 

lotteries,         .  .         .      £  921   0  00 

By  subscription  with  the  net 

proceeds  of  the  lotteries,  2021   1   11 

By  collections  and  otherwise 

for  hanging  the  bells,  220  8  00 

£3162  9  11 
To  sundry   disbursements   from  May  10th, 
1751,  to  September  23d,  1752,  being  be- 
fore the  lotteries, 
To  ditto  since  the  lotteries, 
To  ditto  from  the  collections  for  hanging  the 
bells  and  otherwise, 


£  905  15 

6 

1979     6 

3 

277     7 

9 

£3162     9 

11 

OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  109 

1756. 

February  3.  A  plan  and  estimate  for  build- 
ing a  wall  "  on  the  north  side  and  west  end  of 
the  church  yard,  and  also  for  palisades  in  the 
front,"  having  been  submitted  to  the  vestry  by 
George  Okill,  "  acting  church  warden,"  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  make  collections  for 
the  "above  purposes.  At  their  next  meeting, 
March  24th,  "  the  church  warden  reported  that 
the  collection  for  the  church  wall,  &c.  amounted 
to  one  hundred  and  sixty-five  pounds,  nine  shil- 
lings and  sixpence." 

April  26.  "  Ordered,  that  as  George  Okill 
projected  and  began  the  wall  now  carrying 
around  the  church  yard,  he  be  appointed  to 
supervise  and  carry  on  the  same  until  it  is  com- 
plete, with  the  palisades  in  front,  agreeable  to 
the  plan." 

May  3.  It  was  "  agreed  that  in  considera- 
tion of  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  which 
Hugh  Roberts  and  Attwood  Shute  agreed  to 
pay,  an  alley  or  foot  way  of  six  feet  wide  shall 
be  left  open,  and  out  of  the  southernmost  part 
of  the  church  yard  or  ground,  and  shall  extend 
from  second  street  into  church  alley  ;  that  the 
said  alley  shall  forever  hereafter  remain  open 
and  free  as  a  common  and  public  alley,  or  foot 
way,  for  all  persons ;  that  the  wall  on  the  north 

10 


110  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

side  of  said  alley  shall  be  built  at  the  expense  of 
the  congregation,  and  that  the  said  Hugh 
Roberts  and  Attwood  Shute  pay  and  be  at  the 
expense  of  regulating,  paving,  and  fixing  posts 
and  rails  at  each  end  of  said  alley." 

June  15.  The  amount  of  pew  money  col- 
lected in  two  years,  from  Easter  1754  to  Eas- 
ter 1756,  is  reported  to  be  £628.  14s. 

August  25.  "It  was  unanimously  agreed 
that  an  address  should  be  presented  to  the  hon- 
ourable William  Denny,  our  governor."  An 
address  was  accordingly  drawn  up  in  the  name 
of  "  the  minister,  assistant,  church  wardens, 
and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church,"  congratulat- 
ing him  "  on  his  safe  arrival  to  his  government 
of  Pennsylvania." 

1757. 

September  22.  "  A  proposal  for  paving  half 
the  street  opposite  to  the  church  being  made, 
it  was  unanimously  agreed  that  the  same  should 
be  done,  provided  the  inhabitants  on  the  oppo- 
site side  would  agree  to  pave  their  proportion, 
and  Henry  Harrison  is  appointed  to  settle  that 
point  with  his  neighbours,  and  agree  with  the 
workmen  for  perfecting  the  same,  and  paving 
a  small  part  of  the  street  before  the  parsonage 
house ;  to  be  paid  out  of  the  public  money  of 
the  congregation." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  Ill 

Agreeably  to  the  above  order,  "  192  yards 
and  7  feet"  of  pavement  were  laid  "  fronting  the 
church  ground,  and  part  of  the  parsonage  lot," 
at  an  expense  of  £16.  16s.  3c?. 

1758. 

April  3.  It  was  "  Resolved,  that  the  ringers 
of  the  bells  be  paid  the  sum  of  nineteen  pounds 
yearly,  as  usual,  for  ringing  the  bells  for  the 
service  of  the  church  on  Sundays,  &c.  And 
for  their  ringing  on  the  following  holy  days, 
viz :  Christmas,  Circumcision,  or  New  Year's 
day,  Easter,  Whitsuntide,  the  29th  of  May, 
and  5th  of  November,  they  are  to  receive  from 
the  church  wardens  fifteen  shillings  for  each  of 
said  days.  And  further,  it  is  resolved  that  the 
church  bells  shall  ring  only  one  night  a  week 
for  improvement  in  that  art." 

June  20.  A  new  church,  to  be  erected  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  city,  had  been  long  talked 
of,  and  the  subject  had  been  brought  before  the 
vestry  several  times,  but  without  success.  It 
was  now  undertaken  with  much  earnestness, 
as  the  following  proceedings  of  the  vestry  will 
show. 

"It  is  unanimously  agreed  that  another 
church  is  much  wanted ;  and  it  is  proposed  that 
the  taking  and  collecting  the  subscriptions,  and 


112  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

conducting  of  the  affairs  relating  to  the  build- 
ing and  finishing  the  said  intended  church, 
shall  be  under  the  management  of  the  minister, 
church  wardens,  and  vestry  of  Christ  Church, 
for  the  time  being."  The  building  was  to  be 
"  erected  at  the  south  end  of  the  city,  on  a  lot 
of  ground  lately  granted  by  the  honourable  pro- 
prietaries for  that  purpose."  Joseph  Sims  was 
appointed  treasurer,  and  Doctor  John  Kears- 
ley,  William  Plumsted,  Jacob  Duche,  Alexan- 
der Stedman,  James  Child,  Evan  Morgan,  and 
Redmond  Conyngham,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  receive  subscriptions,  and  take  the 
care  and  management  of  the  building  the  same  ; 
and  the  committee  aforesaid  are  requested  to 
prepare  a  plan  of  the  said  intended  church,  and 
an  estimate  of  the  expense  thereof,  in  order  to 
be  laid  before  the  next  vestry  for  their  appro- 
bation." 

June  27.  "  The  committee  produced  a  plan, 
or  ground  plot  of  the  intended  church,  ninety 
feet  long  by  sixty  feet  broad,  which  was  approv- 
ed of  by  the  present  vestry  ;  and  the  said  com- 
mittee are  desired  to  proceed  in  the  work 
"  without  delay."  Joseph  Sims,  treasurer,  is 
added  to  the  building  committee,  as  are  also  Att- 
wood  Shute,  John  Wilcocks,  Samuel  McCall, 
Jr.,  James  Humphreys,  and  William  Bingham. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  113 

September  19.  The  vestry  are  informed 
that  "  the  late  captain  William  Clymer"  had 
directed  his  executors  to  apply  "£100  current 
money  of  Pennsylvania"  to  the  purchase  of  a 
perpetual  yearly  rent  or  anuuity,  or  to  be  put 
out  at  interest  on  good  security,  and  gave  the 
interest  to  the  minister  and  church  wardens  of 
Christ  Church  and  their  successors  forever,  in 
trust,  to  distribute  the  said  rent,  annuity,  or 
interest,  on  the  twentieth  day  of  September 
yearly,  to  twelve  such  poor  widows  frequenting 
and  belonging  to  the  congregation  of  said 
church,  as  the  said  minister  and  church  wardens 
shall  judge  good  and  proper  objects. 

November  10.  Mr.  Jacob  Duche,  one  of 
the  vestry,  having  a  son  in  Cambridge  Univer- 
sity, England,  whom  he  intends  to  send  for 
home  in  the  Spring,  requests  that  an  applica- 
tion be  made  by  the  rector,  wardens,  and  ves- 
trymen, to  the  bishop  of  London,  to  have  "  him 
admitted  into  holy  orders,  and  licensed  to  offi- 
ciate in  the  churches  in  this  city ;  he  having 
been  always  designed  for  the  ministry."  This 
proposal  met  with  the  cordial  approbation  of 
Dr.  Jenney,  the  rector,  and  was  only  objected 
to  by  others,  on  account  of  the  youth  of  Mr. 
Duche,  Jr. ;  "  a  majority  thought  it  advisable 
that  he  be  kept  longer  in  the  university  of  Cam- 
10* 


114  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

bridge,  he  not  yet  being  quite  twenty-one  years 
of  age." 

1759. 

February  27.  "  The  committee  for  building 
the  new  church  acquainted  this  vestry  of  the 
alteration  of  the  form  as  to  the  windows  in  the 
said  church,  in  placing  the  tallest  above  and 
the  shortest  below,  which  was  approved  of." 

Pursuant  to  a  minute  of  a  preceding  vestry, 
Dr.  Jenney  and  the  wardens  produced  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  the  society  for  propagating  the 
Gospel,  relative  to  a  bequest  of  a  Mr.  Jauncy, 
made  some  twenty-seven  years  before ;  which 
letter  "  was  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  copied 
fair,  signed  by  the  minister  and  wardens,  and 
sent  by  the  next  ship  bound  for  London."  The 
letter  is  as  follows : 

To  the    reverend   Doctor  Philip  Bearcroft,  secretary  to 
the  incorporated  society  for  propagating  of  the  Gospel 
in  foreign  parts. 
Dear  Sir, 

In  or  about  the  year  1732,  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
pounds  sterling  was  bequeathed  to  the  society  for  propagat- 
ing of  the  Gospel :  to  be  by  them  disposed  of  in  the  best 
manner  for  the  conversion  of  infidels,  &c,  by  the  last  will 
of  one  Mr.  Jauncy  ;  which  money,  with  its  interest,  was 
afterwards  appropriated  for  the  use  of  the  minister  of  our 
church  for  the  time  being,  as  appears  by  an  abstract  of  the 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  115 

society's  proceedings  for  the  year  1733,  in  which  is  record- 
ed  the  following  minute : 

"  A  benefaction  of  £316.  17s.  6d.  paid  by  the  reverend 
Mr.  Poole,  out  of  the  residue  of  the  estate  of  Edward  Jaun- 
cy,  Esq.,  deceased  ;  which  is  particularly  appropriated  for 
the  benefit  of  the  minister  of  the  church  of  England  at  Phil- 
adelphia, in  Pennsylvania,  for  the  time  being ;  and  the 
same  is  laid  out  in  new  south  sea  annuities  till  lands  can 
be  purchased  in  Pennsylvania." 

Accordingly  our  ministers  have,  as  we  suppose,  received 
the  interest  from  time  to  time  ever  since ;  but  how  it  has 
happened  that  the  good  design  of  the  society  for  fixing  the 
pious  gift  in  lands  has  been  neglected  to  this  day,  will  not 
be  material  for  us  to  relate.  We  are  now  desirous  that  it 
should  be  done,  and  therefore  with  submission,  we  pray  the 
society  would  be  pleased  to  empower  the  minister  and 
church  wardens  to  draw  on  their  treasurer  for  the  above 
sum,  with  its  advance,  if  there  is  any,  and  it  shall  be  im- 
mediately laid  out  in  a  piece  of  land,  and  let  to  tenants  on 
ground  rent ;  by  which  means  its  income  will  be  greatly 
increased ;  we  will  take  care  that  proper  deeds  shall  be 
made,  investing  the  society  with  the  land  for  the  uses 
above  mentioned  ;  which  indenture  shall  be  sent  to  England, 
or  otherwise,  as  the  society  shall  direct. 

The  society's  compliance  with  this  request  will  much 
oblige  us,  and  more  completely  answer  the  design  of  the 
generous  donor,  and  of  the  board  which  made  the  appro- 
priation. We  pray  for  success  in  your  pious  undertaking, 
and  are  your  honoured,  &c, 
Signed, 

Robert  Jenney. 
Evan  Morgan. 
Redmond  Conyngham. 

Minister  and  Wardens. 


116  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

In  reply  to  the  above  letter,  the  society  sent 
out  a  power  of  attorney,  dated  13th  June,  1759, 
authorizing  Dr.  Jenney,  the  rector,  Dr.  William 
Smith,  provost  of  the  college,  Jacob  Duche, 
John  Ross  and  Evan  Morgan,  "  for  and  in  the 
name  of  said  society,  to  purchase  lands  in  the 
province  of  Pennsylvania,"  to  the  amount  of 
"  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be  raised  by  the 
sale  of  three  hundred  pounds  new  south  sea 
annuities  stock ;  and  the  annual  rent  and  pro- 
fit of  such  land  so  purchased  shall  be  and  remain 
to  the  sole  use  and  behoof  of  the  minister 
of  Christ  Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
for  the  time  being,  and  his  successors  for- 
ever." 

"  The  vestry  being  informed  that  Jacob 
Duche  had  determined  to  call  his  son  home 
next  summer,  it  was  agreed  that  a  letter  of  re- 
commendation to  the  bishop  of  London,  Dr. 
Sherlock,  should  be  sent  by  the  ship  now  going." 
The  letter  is  as  follows : 

To  the  reverend  father  in  God,  Thomas,  lord  bishop  of 
London ;  the  address  of  the  minister,  church  wardens 
and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia.  Febru- 
ary 7th,  1759. 

May  it  please  your  lordship, 

As  the  American  plantations  were  long  ago  annexed  to 

the  diocese  of  London  by  his  late  majesty,  and  our  minis- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  117 

ters  have  ever  since  been  licensed  by  your  lordship's  pre- 
decessors, in  that  see,  and  these  churches  are  a  part  of 
your  pastoral  care  ;  we  therefore  address  ourselves  to  your 
lordship,  to  give  you  an  account  of  the  present  state  of  our 
church,  as  to  our  ministers. 

The  reverend  Doctor  Robert  Jenney  our  minister,  has 
been  for  two  years  afflicted  with  a  paralytick  and  asthmatic 
disorder,  which  renders  him  incapable  of  performing  any 
ministerial  duty  ;  and  it  seems  likely  to  continue,  so  that 
we  have  scarce  any  hopes  of  his  ever  being  able  to  officiate 
again,  as  he  is  now  seventy  years  old.  The  society's  cate- 
chistandDr.  Jenney's  assistant,  the  reverend  Mr.  William 
Sturgeon,  supplies  our  church  himself  in  all  the  parts  of 
the  ministerial  office,  the  duties  of  which  are  now  very 
great ;  and  should  it  please  God  to  visit  him  with  any 
sickness,  our  case  would  be  deplorable ;  our  people  would 
be  scattered.  This  has  become  a  large  and  populous 
city,  and  in  great  need  of  more  churches  ;  for  want  of 
which  we  lose  our  people  among  the  many  societies  of  dis- 
senters, with  which  this  city  abounds ;  and  some  who  are 
not  inclined  to  join  them  stay  at  home,  for  want  of  room  at 
church  ;  for  which  reason  the  vestry  lately  came  to  a  res- 
olution to  build  another  large  church,  as  soon  as  possible, 
by  the  voluntary  contributions  of  our  own  people.  The 
work  is  accordingly  begun,  and  many  have  given  bounti- 
fully thereto,  and  we  are  in  hopes  that  with  a  little  assis- 
tance from  our  mother  country,  it  will  in  another  year  be 
ready  for  divine  service.  It  is  to  be  a  neat  and  handsome 
building,  90  feet  long  and  60  broad,  founded  on  a  lot  of 
ground  given  for  that  purpose  by  our  honourable  proprie- 
taries. 

By  this  short  narrative  of  the  state  of  our  affairs,  your 
lordship  will  easily  perceive  that  we  shall  be  in  want  of 
more  ministers  to  serve  in  these  churches,  between  which 


118  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

there  is  to  be  a  happy  union,  by  means  of  their  being  under 
one  and  the  same  government.  Seeing  therefore  that 
Doctor  Jenney  is  like  to  remain,  as  above  mentioned,  so 
unhappily  circumstanced,  we  humbly  pray  your  lordship's 
influence  and  pastoral  care  towards  getting  Mr.  Jacob 
Duche,  Junior,  now  of  Clare  Hall  in  Cambridge,  admitted 
into  holy  orders,  and  that  your  lordship  will  also  license 
him  to  officiate  as  an  assistant  minister  in  the  churches  of 
Philadelphia.  And  when  your  lordship  considers  that  this 
young  gentleman  was  born  and  bred  amongst  us  here  in 
this  city,  that  he  has  from  very  early  years  of  his  life 
been  strongly  inclined  to  the  ministry  himself,  and  his 
father  always  concurring,  who  accordingly  hath  sent  him 
home  to  England  to  complete  his  education  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  that  we  of  the  congregation  are  fully  satisfied  of 
his  virtue,  capacity,  piety  and  acquired  accomplishments, 
for  that  holy  function,  we  have  no  doubt  of  succeeding 
with  your  lordship  that  Mr.  Duche  may  be  ordained  and 
licensed,  to  come  over  among  us  to  his  native  place,  to  be 
one  of  our  assistant  ministers.  For  which  purpose  he  will 
have  letters  by  this  conveyance  furnishing  him  with  ac- 
counts of  our  proceedings  herein,  that  he  may  in  due  time 
wait  on  your  lordship,  pursuant  to  our  desires,  and  be  or- 
dained accordingly.  This  we  shall  acknowledge  as  an 
instance  of  your  lordship's  pastoral  care  over  us,  and  pray 
for  your  happiness  and  prosperity  in  the  great  work  of 
being  a  spiritual  father  of  so  great  a  part  of  the  church  of 
England  as  the  diocese  of  London. 
Signed, 
R.  Jenney,  Minister. 

Evan  Morgan.  )  «r     , 

t,  ^  >  Wardens. 

Redmond  Conyngham.  ) 

May  10.     A  petition  was  presented  to  the 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  119 

vestry,  signed  by  seventy-four  members  of  the 
congregation,  praying  that  the  Rev.  William 
McClenaghan,  who  had  been  one  of  the  soci- 
ety's missionaries  in  New  England,  be  ap- 
pointed an  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon, 
in  consequence  of  the  increasing  infirmities  of 
the  rector,  whose  indisposition  seemed  to  ren- 
der such  further  assistance  necessary.  Dr. 
Jenney  having  been  first  consulted,  the  vestry 
came  to  the  following  determination ;  "  that 
the  said  Mr.  McClenaghan  shall  have  the  liber- 
ty and  use  of  the  pulpit  to  preach  in,  as  a  lec- 
turer only,  during  the  pleasure  of  the  said  Doc- 
tor Jenney,  church  wardens  and  vestry;  he 
producing  sufficient  testimonials  of  his  good 
life  and  conversation;  provided  the  persons 
subscribing  or  desiring  the  same  as  aforesaid, 
shall  support  and  maintain  the  said  Mr.  Mc 
Clenaghan." 

At  a  subsequent  meeting,  June  19th,  Mr. 
McClenaghan  is  elected  an  assistant  minister 
to  Dr.  Jenney,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Stur- 
geon, and  a  letter  is  addressed  to  the  bishop 
of  London,  praying  him  to  license  Mr. 
McClenaghan  to  officiate  accordingly.  The 
bishop  of  London  declines  giving  his  license 
to  the  newly  elected  assistant.  The  society 
in  England,  through  their  secretary,  represent 


120  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

him  as  a  most  unworthy  son  of  the  church, 
"  who  would  meet  with  no  countenance  on  that 
side  of  the  water."  His  conduct  gave  great 
uneasiness  to  Dr.  Jenney,  created  much  dis- 
turbance in  the  congregation,  and,  after  offici- 
ating about  a  year  he  withdrew,  to  the  great 
gratification  of  all  the  lovers  of  peace  and 
good  order. 

September  27.  Mr.  Jacob  Duche,  Jr.,  hav- 
ing returned  from  England  with  letters  of 
deacon's  orders,  and  a  license  to  preach,  from 
the  bishop  of  London,  is  received  "  as  one  of 
the  assistant  ministers  to  the  churches  in  this 
city." 

In  a  letter  of  thanks  to  the  bishop  of  Lon- 
don for  his  kindness  in  ordaining  and  licensing 
Mr.  Duche,  dated  October  3d,  the  vestry  say, 
"  that  young  gentleman  is  now  by  God's  mercy 
safe  arrived  among  us,  in  his  native  city,  and 
fixed  as  one  of  our  assistant  ministers,  and 
your  lordship  may  be  assured  of  his  being  pro- 
vided for  more  amply,  as  soon  as  our  new 
church  is  ready." 

1760. 

April  14.  "  Resolved,  that  the  two  old  bells 
now  in  Christ  Church  be  removed  to  the  new 
church,   (St.   Peter's,)    for    the    use    of   said 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  121 

church,  and  Mr.  Morgan  is  desired  to  see  them 
removed." 

From  a  letter  of  Dr.  Jenney  entered  on  the 
minutes,  and  dated  June  17th,  1760,  it  appears 
that  he  "  had  been  for  fifty  years  a  minister ;" 
so  that  he  must  have  been  more  than  thirty 
years  in  orders,  before  he  took  charge  of  Christ 
Church.  His  great  age  and  infirmities  pre- 
vented him  from  performing  much  ministerial 
duty  at  this  time. 

June  21.  Dr.  Jenney  laid  before  the  vestry 
the  following  letter  from  the  reverend  Samuel 
Nicols,  secretary  to  the  bishop  of  London,  in 
answer  to  letters  from  the  late  vestry,  in  which 
they  had  recommended  Mr.  Jacob  Duche,  Jr., 
and  Mr.  William  McClenaghan,  for  license  to 
become  assistants  to  the  rector. 

"  To  the  rev.  Dr.  Jenney,  minister  of  Christ  Church  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia  ;  to  the  rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon 
and  the  rev.  Mr.  Duche,  ministers,  assistants  there  ; 
and  to  the  parishioners  of  said  church,  assembled  in 
vestry . 
Gentlemen, 

I  am  expressly  commanded  by  the  lord  bishop  of  London, 
with  his  hearty  commendation  to  you,  to  let  you  know 
that  he  has  received  your  several  letters  and  addresses  to 
him  relating  to  the  settlement  of  ministers  in  the  church 
of  Philadelphia,  and  after  having  well  considered  the  cir- 
cumstances of  your  case,  his  lordship  is  firmly  of  opinion 

11 


122  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

that  two  assistant  ministers  are  sufficient  for  your  church* 
Mr.  Sturgeon  has  been  many  years  among  you,  and  has 
well  supplied  the  duties  of  the  church  during  the  indisposi- 
tion of  your  worthy  minister,  Mr.  Jenney ;  and  now  of 
late  since  the  duty  is  increased,  his  lordship  has,  at  your 
own  request,  ordained  a  very  promising  young  gentleman, 
Mr.  Duche  ;  and  at  your  request  likewise  has  licensed 
him  to  be  another  assistant  in  the  same  church.  In  jus- 
tice therefore  to  those  two  gentlemen,  who  have  devoted 
themselves  to  your  service,  and  in  regard  to  your  own  re- 
commendations of  them,  which  have  been  strong  in  their 
favour,  his  lordship  thinks  proper  that  they  shall  be  the 
officiating  ministers  in  Philadelphia,  and  no  other. 

In  respect  to  Mr.  McClenaghan,  his  lordship  has  many 
reasons  why  he  cannot  license  him  in  the  parts  of  Penn- 
sylvania. He  was  ordained  and  licensed  to  a  mission  in 
the  society's  service,  from  which  he  has  withdrawn  him- 
self in  a  manner  that  does  him  no  credit :  since  that,  he 
has  engaged  himself  to  a  parish  in  Virginia,  and  has  re- 
ceived such  marks  of  their  favour  that  he  ought  to  think 
himself  under  obligations  to  serve  them.  It  is  incumbent 
on  him  therefore  to  return  thither,  in  order  to  obtain  a 
proper  settlement  from  the  governor  and  commissary  of 
that  province,  in  the  parish  where  he  may  be  appointed  to 
serve  ;  and  not  to  give  any  disturbance  in  the  congrega- 
tion where  ministers  are  already  settled  and  established. 

Therefore,  gentlemen,  the  bishop  desires,  and  expects  it 
from  you  that  you  give  Mr.  McClenaghan  no  encourage- 
ment to  remain  in  Pennsylvania;  but  on  the  contrary  that 
you  assist  him  in  removing  back  again  to  the  place  where  his 
duty  calls  him,  and  where  he  ought  to"  be.  His  lordship 
orders  me  to  assure  you  of  his  hearty  good  will  and  affec- 
tion for  you,  with  his  sincere  prayers  for  the  welfare  and 
prosperity  of  your  church  and  country. 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  123 

I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem, 
your  most  obedient  and  faithful  humble  servant, 

Samuel  Nicols. 
London,  March  25th,  1760. 


"  The  vestry  agree  that  Mr.  McClenaghan 
shall  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  said  letter, 
and  that  Joseph  Redman  and  Henry  Harrison 
wait  on  said  McClenaghan  with  a  copy  of 
the  above.  The  vestry  also  agreed  that  the 
above  letter  be  read  in  church  next  Sunday 
morning." 

1761. 

Mrs.  Mary  Andrews  left,  by  will,  to  the 
minister  and  church  wardens  of  Christ  Church 
£100.,  towards  purchasing  an  organ;  also 
£10.  yearly,  to  be  distributed  at  Christmas, 
by  William  Peters,  his  heirs  and  assigns, 
amongst  such  poor  families  of  the  city  of  Phil- 
adelphia as  are  not  on  the  poor  roll ;  in  the 
distribution  of  which,  he  and  his  heirs  shall 
consult  the  minister  and  church  wardens  of 
Christ  Church,  for  finding  out  proper  objects 
among  whom  to  distribute  the  same  as  afore- 
said. Mrs.  Andrews  also  devised  the  further  sum 
of  £100.,  after  deducting  a  charge  for  a  mon- 


124  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

ument,  for  and  towards  a  new  pulpit  and  pul- 
pit cloth  for  Christ  Church,  upon  condition  that 
she  be  interred  within  the  body  of  said  church, 
and  her  executors  be  permitted  to  put  up  in 
some  convenient  place  in  said  church,  a  mar- 
ble monument,  with  the  usual  inscription  of 
her  interment  there. 

"  The  sexton,  William  Davis,  applied  to  the 
vestry  to  increase  his  salary ;  and  they  agree 
to  give  him  twenty  pounds  per  year,  on  condi- 
tion that  he  wash  the  church  twice  a  year,  and 
sand  it  at  Easter  and  September ;  and  also 
sweep  the  church  once  every  two  weeks,  ring 
the  bell,  and  perform  every  other  duty  as  sex- 
ton." 

May  20.  Wednesday.  From  some  loose  min- 
utes found  among  the  late  bishop  White's  pa- 
pers, of  an  annual  convention  of  the  clergy 
held  in  Philadelphia,  it  appears  that  the  fol- 
lowing twelve  clergymen  were  present,  viz. : 
Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  Rev.  Mr.  Campbell,  Rev.  Mr. 
Craig,  Rev.  Mr.  Reading,  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon, 
Rev.  Mr.  Neill,  Rev.  Mr.  Barton,  Rev.  Mr.  In- 
glis,  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson,  Rev.  Mr.  Duche, 
Rev.  Mr.  Chandler  of  New  Jersey,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Keene  of  Maryland.  This  was  a  large 
number  of  clergymen  to  assemble  at  that  early 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  125 

day,  when  there  was  but  one  Episcopal  congre- 
gation in  Philadelphia. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  was  unanimously  elect- 
ed president  of  said  convention. 

"  The  president,  together  with  Mr.  Reading, 
were  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  governor,  to 
request  his  approbation  of  our  present  meeting, 
and  his  protection  during  our  sitting." 

"  The  gentlemen  appointed  to  wait  upon  the 
governor,  reported,  that  he  was  pleased  to  say 
that  he  could  have  no  possible  objection  to 
our  meeting  together,  and  that  we  might  de- 
pend upon  his  countenance  and  protection  at 
all  times." 

"  Friday,  May  22.  The  convention  went  in  a 
body  to  Christ  Church,  where  a  sermon  suita- 
ble to  the  occasion,  was  preached  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Craig,  missionary  at  Chester,  agreeable  to 
the  appointment  of  last  convention." 

"Saturday,  May  23.  This  day  the  mem- 
bers of  the  convention  attended  the  public 
commencement  of  the  college  of  this  city." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Reading  was  appointed  to 
preach  the  next  annual  sermon  before  the  con- 
vention, and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon  as  his  sub- 
stitute. 

August  13.  "The  committee  for  building 
the  new  church  reported,  that  the  said  church  is 

11* 


126  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

now  ready  to  be  opened  ;  upon  which  the  ves- 
try resolved  that  Henry  Harrison  and  Alexan- 
der Stedman,  church  wardens,  and  Jacob 
Duche,  Evan  Morgan,  and  Dr.  Kearsley  be 
appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  plan  for 
regulating  and  opening  said  church  ;  and  Dr. 
Jenney  is  requested  to  appoint  some  proper 
person  to  preach  at  the  opening  of  the  same." 

"  Resolved,  that  the  new  church  be  named 
St.  Peter's." 

August  19.  The  committee  appointed  to 
prepare  a  plan  for  regulating  and  opening  St. 
Peter's  Church  recommend,  among  other  things, 
as  follows,  viz. : 

"  That  the  said  church  in  respect  to  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  sacraments,  the  performance 
of  all  pastoral  duties,  and  in  every  respect  what- 
ever, shall  be  upon  an  equal  footing  with  Christ 
Church,  and  be  under  the  same  government 
with  it." 

"  That  the  congregations  of  the  two  churches 
shall  be  styled  '  the  united  congregations  of 
Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,'  and  shall  be  supplied  by  the  same 
ministers,  in  such  order  and  manner,  that  neither 
of  the  said  churches  shall  claim  or  enjoy  the 
service  of  any  particular  minister,  oftener  than 
the  other." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  127 

"  That  on  the  reverend  Doctor  Jenney's  de- 
mise, so  many  of  the  officiating  ministers  as 
the  vestry  shall  think  fit  to  place  on  an  equality, 
shall  be  styled  '  ministers  of  the  united  congre- 
gations of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the 
city  of  Philadelphia.'  " 

"  That  the  pews  in  St.  Peter's  Church  shall 
be  let  at  the  same  rates  with  pews  having  the 
like  situation  in  Christ  Church ;  and  every  per- 
son who  pays  for  a  pew  or  sitting  in  either 
church,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  vote  in  the  choice 
of  a  vestry  for  both;  which  vestry,  after  Eas- 
ter Monday  next  ensuing,  shall  be  styled  '  the 
vestry  of  the  united  congregations  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
delphia.'  " 

;;  That  in  regard  to  the  generous  gift  made 
of  the  ground  whereon  the  said  St.  Peter's 
Church  stands,  by  the  honourable  the  proprie- 
taries of  this  province,  the  first  and  best  pew  in 
the  said  church  shall  be  set  apart  forever  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  honourable  proprie- 
tary's family,  and  their  governors  for  the  time 
being." 

"  The  vestry  having  considered  the  above, 
unanimously  approved  of  the  same." 

"  The  Rev.  Doctor  Jenney  acquainted  the 
vestry  that  he  had  applied  to  the  reverend  Mr. 


128  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Richard  Peters  to  preach  at  the  opening  of 
St.  Peter's  Church ;  and  that  he  and  his  assist- 
ants thought  that  compliment  due  first  to  Mr. 
Peters,  not  only  in  regard  to  his  abilities,  but 
also  for  the  many  services  that  he  had  done  to 
our  church,  and  in  particular  for  having  pro- 
cured many  generous  subscriptions  for  the 
building  St.  Peter's  church;  but  he  declining 
the  offer  on  account  of  his  present  engagements 
in  public  business,  it  was  judged  that  no  other 
person  was  so  well  qualified  for  that  duty  as 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  provost  of  the  college  in 
this  city,  not  only  for  his  abilities,  but  likewise 
for  the  service  that  he  has  been  to  our  church 
in  this  part  of  the  world,  at  home.  All  which 
the  vestry  approved  of." 

September  4.  "  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry 
held  at  Christ  Church,  present,  Henry  Harri- 
son and  Alexander  Stedman,  church  wardens ; 
Redmond  Conyngham,  James  Child,  Jacob 
Duche,  Evan  Morgan,  Townsend  White, 
Charles  Stedman,  William  Plumsted,  James 
Humphreys,  Joseph  Redman,  Peter  Turner, 
John  Kearsley,  Joseph  Sims,  William  Pyewell, 
Peter  Sonmans,  Edward  Duffield,  William 
Bingham  and  John  Ross,  vestrymen.  This 
being  the  day  for  opening  St.  Peter's  Church, 
the  clergy   attended,  and  they,  together  with 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  129 

the  vestry,  went  in  the  following  procession 
from  Christ  Church  to  St.  Peter's  Church,  viz. : 

1.  Clerk  and  sexton.  2.  Quest  men.  3. 
Vestrymen,  two  by  two.  4.  The  governor 
and  the  church  wardens:  5.  Clergy  who  are 
to  officiate.  6.  Governor's  council  and  attend- 
ants. 7.  Other  clergy,  two  by  two.  Having 
arrived  at  St.  Peter's  Church,  divine  service 
began  with  prayers,  and  a  sermon  suitable  to 
the  occasion  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith,  provost  of  the  college  in  this  city.  After 
divine  service,  the  plan  agreed  upon  by  the 
vestry  for  the  perpetual  union  and  government 
of  the  two  churches  was  read." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  held  in  St.  Peter's 
Church,  September  7th,  the  vestry  pass  a  vote 
of  "  thanks  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  for  his  excel- 
lent sermon,  preached  at  the  opening  of  St. 
Peter's  Church,  the  4th  instant,  and  request  the 
favour  of  him,  to  furnish  a  copy  of  the  said 
sermon  to  be  printed.  This  sermon  is  in  the 
second  volume  of  Dr.  Smith's  works,  page  356  ; 
and  in  the  preface  to  the  same  there  is  given  a 
particular  account  of  the  services  at  the  conse- 
cration. 

1762. 
The   Rev.  Robert  Jenney,  L.L.D.,  died  in 


130  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

January  of  this  year,  at  the  advanced  age 
of  seventy  five  years.  He  had  been  fifty-two 
years  in  the  ministry,  and  more  than  nineteen 
years  rector  of  Christ  Church  ;  having  been 
elected  to  that  office  in  October,  1742.  The 
Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith,  provost  of  the  Col- 
lege of  Philadelphia,  preached  a  sermon  from 
Luke  xvi.  2,  at  his  funeral  in  Christ  Church, 
January  10th,  1762.#  In  that  discourse  it  is 
said  of  him,  that  he  was  "  a  man  venerable  in 
years,  and  a  striking  pattern  of  christian  resig- 
nation under  a  long  and  severe  illness.  Those 
who  knew  him  best  in  that  situation,  know  that 
his  chief  concern  was  not  for  himself,  but  for 
the  distressed  and  perplexed  state  of  his  con- 
gregation. He  was  a  man  of  strict  honesty, 
one  that  hated  dissimulation  and  a  lie,  exem- 
plary in  his  life  and  morals,  and  a  most  zealous 
member  of  our  Episcopal  church."  His  re- 
mains were  interred  in  one  of  the  aisles  of  the 
church. 

January  16.  It  was  "  resolved,  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Sturgeon  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche,  be  re- 
quested to  officiate  as  ministers  of  the  united 
churches,  during  the  pleasure  of  the  vestry." 
It  was  further  "  resolved,  that  an  offer  of  the 
parsonage  house  be  made  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche 

*  See  Smith's  Works,  vol.  i.  p.  22.  ibid.  p.  33. 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  131 

to  live  in,  he  paying  forty-five  pounds  per  an- 
num, rent." 

June  8.  The  vestry  being  informed  that  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Duche  intends  going  to  England  to 
receive  priest's  orders,  unanimously  approve  of 
the  same,  and  request  the  Rev.  Mr.  Richard 
Peters  to  officiate  for  Mr.  Duche  during  his  ab- 
sence. They  also  address  letters  to  the  bishop 
of  London,  Dr.  Terrick,  requesting  him  to  license 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche  and  the  Rev.  Mr  Sturgeon, 
to  be  ministers  of  the  united  congregations. 

The  address  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche 
is  as  follows : 

"  To  the  right  reverend  father  in  God,  Richard,  by  di- 
vine permission  lord  bishop  of  London. 

May  it  please  your  lordship :  We,  the  church  wardens 
and  vestrymen  of  the  united  congregations  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  beg  leave  to 
present  our  sincere  congratulations  to  your  lordship,  on 
your  translation  to  the  see  of  London.  From  a  prelate  of 
your  lordship's  distinguished  character,  advanced  to  this 
exalted  station,  we  trust  many  blessings  will  be  derived  to 
the  church  of  England  in  America;  and  we  flatter  our- 
selves that  the  congregations  which  we  have  the  honour  to 
represent,  will  be  blessed  with  the  same  countenance  and 
protection  from  your  lordship,  which  they  have  heretofore 
experienced  from  your  pious  predecessors.  Relying  upon 
your  lordship's  well  known  goodness  and  candor,  permit 
us  to  recommend  to  your  favour  and  patronage,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Jacob  Duche,  who  has  for  these  two  years  past  exer- 


132  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

cised  his  function  among  us  as  a  deacon  and  an  assistant 
minister  of  our  churches,  and  has,  during  the  whole  time, 
conducted  himself  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  give  much  satis- 
faction to  all  denominations  of  men  among  us  ;  and  we  trust 
that  he  will  be  of  great  service  to  the  church  of  England 
in  this  part  of  the  world,  and  to  religion  in  general.  This 
gentleman  is  a  native  of  this  place  ;  his  family  and  con- 
nexions are  here.  For  these  considerations,  we  unanimously 
join  in  requesting  your  lordship  to  ordain  and  license  the 
said  Mr.  Duche,  as  one  of  the  ministers  of  the  united  con- 
gregations of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia.  And  we  do  hereby  promise  to  receive,  con- 
firm, and  establish  him  as  such,  upon  his  arrival  here,  and 
make  a  proper  and  honourable  provision  for  his  support. 
Sincerely  praying  that  the  smiles  of  heaven  may  attend 
and  prosper  all  your  pious  labours,  and  that  you  may  long 
be  continued  an  ornament  and  blessing  to  the  christian 
church  in  general,  and  to  our  own  excellent  branch  of  it  in 
particular, 

We  are,  &c.  &c. 
June  8th,  1762. 

The  address  in  favour  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stur- 
geon is  of  the  same  date,  and  in  much  the  same 
form.  In  it  the  vestry  say  that  "  the  Rev.  Mr. 
William  Sturgeon  hath,  for  about  fifteen  years 
past,  steadily  exercised  his  function  among  us, 
as  a  priest  and  assistant  minister  in  our  church ; 
and  hath,  during  the  whole  time,  conducted  him- 
self with  sobriety  and  unwearied  diligence ;  and 
to  the  utmost  of  his  ability,  hath  regularly  and 
constantly  performed  all  parts  of  his  ministerial 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  133 

office  in  this  extensive  cure,  with  care  and 
alacrity;  and  we  trust  will  continue  to  be  a 
useful  and  industrious  minister,  and  give  satis- 
faction to  all  denominations  of  men  among 
us.  He  long  since  married  a  gentlewoman  of 
this  city,  by  whom  he  hath  a  large  family  of 
children,  and  his  connexions  are  chiefly  here, 
and  here  in  our  service  he  has  spent  the  prime 
of  his  life." 

At  this  meeting  the  vestry  "  resolve  that  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Duche  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon  do 
each  of  them  receive  a  salary  of  £200.  cur~ 
rency,  per  annum  ;"  deducting  £45.  from  the 
salary  of  the  former,  for  house  rent ;  and  £50. 
sterling  from  that  of  the  latter,  in  consideration 
of  his  receiving  that  sum  from  the  society  for 
propogating  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts. 

"  Ordered,  that  the  steeple  of  Christ  Church 
be  immediately  repaired  and  painted." 

December  6.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Duche,  having  re- 
turned from  England,  and  laid  before  the  vestry 
his  letters  of  orders  from  his  grace  the  arch- 
bishop of  Canterbury,  and  his  letter  of  license 
from  the  bishop  of  London,  it  was  "  unani- 
mously resolved  that  the  Rev.  Jacob  Duche  be 
received  as  one  of  the  ministers  of  the  united 
churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's  in  the 
city  of  Philadelphia." 

12 


134  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

The  Rev.  Richard  Peters  is  elected  rector  of 
the  united  churches,  and  the  following  letter  is 
addressed  to  him  by  the  vestry. 

To  the  Rev.  Richard  Peters. 
Reverend  Sir, 

We,  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the  united 
congregations  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peters,  in  the  city 
of  Philadelphia,  beg  leave  to  return  you  our  most  sincere 
thanks  for  the  services  done  us  in  the  absence  of  Mr. 
Duche,  by  performing  every  part  of  your  ministerial  func- 
tion to  the  great  satisfaction  of  our  congregations,  and  of 
us  in  particular.  We  now  address  you  on  a  matter  of  very 
great  importance  to  the  churches  in  this  city.  We  have, 
from  a  just  sense  of  your  abilities,  but  above  all  for  your 
zeal  in  the  cause  of  religion,  your  knowledge  of  and  warm 
attachment  to  the  church  of  England,  been  induced  unani- 
mously to  appoint  you  rector  of  our  churches  ;  and  we  trust 
from  your  candor  and  goodness,  as  well  as  from  the  many 
good  offices  formerly  done  us,  that  you  will  be  pleased  to 
grant  us  our  request.  May  the  smiles  of  heaven  attend 
you  in  all  your  pious  labours,  is  the  prayer  of,  &c.  &c. 

December  6th,  1762. 

This  election  met  with  the  cordial  approba- 
tion of  the  two  assistant  ministers,  who  united 
with  the  vestry  in  their  application  to  the  bish- 
op of  London,  for  his  license  to  Mr.  Peters  to 
officiate  as  rector  of  the  united  churches.  Mr. 
Peters  accepted,  and  entered  immediately  on 
the  duties  of  his  office.  He  continued  rector 
until  September,    1775,  when  he  resigned,  in 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  135 

consequence  of  age  and  infirmities.  In  their 
letter  to  the  bishop  of  London,  praying  for  his 
approbation  of  their  choice,  the  vestry  say, 
"  The  amiable  and  good  character  which  Mr. 
Peters  has  supported  among  us  for  above 
twenty  years  past,  his  age,  his  learning,  his 
piety,  his  zeal,  his  charity,  all  attracted  our 
particular  regard ;  and  the  opportunity  we  had 
of  judging  of  his  abilities  during  the  absence 
of  Mr.  Duche,  when  he  kindly  and  gratuitously 
rendered  us  his  services  by  performing  every 
part  of  his  ministerial  function,  to  the  great 
satisfaction  of  our  congregations,  convinced  us 
of  the  propriety  of  our  choice.  We  are  very 
sensible  that  it  is  Mr.  Peters's  duty  to  wait  upon 
your  lordship,  and  he  is  very  desirous  of  doing 
it ;  but,  as  we  are  circumstanced,  his  absence 
would  be  very  detrimental  to  our  church- 
es ;  therefore  we  most  humbly  request,  since 
your  lordship's  license  in  the  usual  form  cannot 
be  obtained,  that  you  would  be  graciously 
pleased  to  signify  your  approbation  of  our 
choice,  in  any  manner  your  lordship  shall  think 
proper,  by  a  letter  under  your  own  hand  and 
seal  to  Mr.  Peters  himself.  This  practice  we 
can  assure  your  lordship  has  been  heretofore 
observed,  by  your  pious  predecessors." 

The  governor  is  applied  to  for  a  charter  for 


136  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  united  churches,  and  signifies  his  readiness 
to  grant  one ;  a  draught  is  accordingly  prepar- 
ed by  the  vestry,  which,  after  a  slight  altera- 
tion, receives  the  governor's  sanction. 

1763. 

March  5.  The  committee  appointed  to  super- 
intend the  building  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  report, 
"That  the  said  church  is  now  happily  finished, 
(the  pulpit  and  chancel  excepted,)  and  that  we 
have  disbursed  and  paid  the  sum  of  four  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  sixty-five  pounds, 
nineteen  shillings  and  six  pence  half  penny,  to 
the  sundry  persons  employed  in  erecting  and 
building  the  said  church,  including  the  purchase 
money  of  a  lot  of  ground,  for  the  use  of  said 
church.  We  have  likewise  received,  by  sub- 
scription and  donations  from  sundry  pious  and 
well  disposed  persons,  for  the  uses  above  men- 
tioned, the  sum  of  three  thousand  five  hundred 
pounds,  fourteen  shillings  and  six  pence ;  leav- 
ing a  balance  due  to  your  committee,  of  one 
thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty-five  pounds 
and  five  shillings." 
^Signed,  Jacob  Duche,  James  Child,  Jos.  Sims, 
William  Bingham,  James  Humphreys, 
William  Plumsted,  John  Wilcocks. 
March  2d,  1763. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  137 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  vestry,  held 
March  30th  1763,  it  was  "  Resolved,  that  the 
thanks  of  this  board  be  made  to  the  committee 
for  building  St.  Peter's  church,  and  particularly 
to  the  treasurer,  Mr.  Joseph  Sims,  for  their  care, 
industry,  and  management,  in  the  whole  of  this 
affair,  and  the  rector  is  desired  to  return  them 
the  thanks  of  this  board  accordingly." 

"Resolved,  that  Richard  Gardner  be  the 
present  school  master  of  the  school  belonging 
to  Christ  Church,  and  that  the  said  school  be 
under  the  direction  of  the  rector,  ministers  and 
vestry,  for  the  time  being,  of  the  united  church- 
es of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's." 

"  The  vestry  agreed  to  the  erecting  of  an 
organ  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  provided  that  nei- 
ther the  said  organ,  nor  the  organist,  shall  be 
any  charge  to  the  churches,  until  the  debt  for 
building  St.  Peter's  Church  is  paid." 

March  30.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon  having 
been  accused  to  the  society  in  England  of  ne- 
glect of  duty,  as  their  catechist  to  the  negroes, 
prays  the  vestry  to  appoint  a  committee  to  exa- 
mine into  this  matter.  The  rector  and  four 
vestrymen  are  appointed,  who,  after  a  patient 
and  thorough  investigation  of  the  whole  subject, 
report  as  follows :  "  We,  the  committee,  &c. 
have  carefully  taken  the  examination  of  seve- 
12* 


138  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

ral  persons,  communicants  and  constant  atten- 
dants on  the  sacred  offices  of  the  church,  res- 
pecting the  catechising  of  the  negro  children 
belonging  to  the  members  of  these  congrega- 
tions, which  we  now  lay  before  you ;  whence 
it  appears  that  the  Rev.  William  Sturgeon 
hath  not  neglected  the  exercise  of  his  duty,  as 
catechist  to  the  society  for  propagating  the 
Gospel  in  foreign  parts ;  but  that  he  hath  con- 
stantly once  a  week,  and  sometimes  oftener, 
except  when  out  of  town,  which  was  very  sel- 
dom the  case,  duly  catechised  and  instructed 
sundry  negro  children  in  the  principles  of  the 
said  church. 

Witness  our  hands,  this  27th  day  of  April, 
1763." 

Signed,  Richard  Peters,  rector,  John  Kears- 
ley,  William  Pyewell,  James  Humphreys, 
Townsend  White. 

April  11.  The  vestry  resolved,  at  a  meet- 
ing this  day,  that  they  would  have  a  secretary, 
whose  duty  it  should  be  "to  collect  the  pew 
money  of  both  churches,  oblige  the  clerk  to 
account  for  all  fees  every  month,  attend  the 
vestry  at  their  meetings,  and  keep  the  minutes ; 
and  that  he  shall  be  allowed  five  per  centum  on 
all  moneys  received  by  him  for  the  use  of  the 
churches." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  139 

Francis  Hopkinson,  Esq.  was  appointed  the 
secretary,  agreeably  to  the  above  resolution. 

It  was  further  resolved,  that  box  collections 
be  made  in  both  churches,  morning  and  after- 
noon, on  every  Sunday. 

The  amount  of  these  collections,  in  Christ 
Church  alone,  as  appears  by  a  book  kept  by 
Edward  Duffield,  the  church  warden,  was  £189. 
19s.  lie?.,  from  Easter  Sunday  1763,  to  Easter 
Sunday  1764;  and  £139.  6s.  Sd.  from  Easter 
Sunday  1764,  to  Easter  Sunday  1765. 

In  this  book,  which  was  kindly  lent  me  by 
E.  D.  Ingraham,  Esq.  there  is  the  following 
entry,  viz. :  "  Mrs.  Franklin  not  being  willing 
to  be  called  upon,  in  the  box  collections,  chose 
rather  to  pay  yearly  three  dollars  for  the  same 
use  as  the  box  money  is  applied  to;  com- 
mencing September  25th,  1763." 

July  26.  "  The  rector  representing  to  the 
vestry,  that  the  back  inhabitants  of  this  pro- 
vince are  reduced  to  great  distress  and  neces- 
sity, by  the  present  Indian  invasion,  proposed 
that  some  method  be  considered  for  collecting 
charity  for  their  relief,  from  the  congregation 
of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's ;  and  it  was 
unanimously  resolved,  that  a  preamble  to  a 
subscription  paper  for  that  purpose  be  imme- 
diately drawn  up,  which  was  accordingly  done." 


140  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

At  their  next  meeting  "  the  church  wardens 
reported  to  the  vestry,  that  they  had  carried 
about  a  subscription  paper,  and  made  a  collec- 
tion from  the  congregations  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's,  for  the  relief  of  the  distressed 
frontier  inhabitants,  amounting  to  £662.  3s." 
The  rector  and  church  wardens  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  correspond  with  certain  per- 
sons in  Cumberland  county,  in  order  to  ascer- 
tain the  extent  of  the  distress,  that  the  above 
contributions  might  be  judiciously  distributed. 
Some  idea  of  the  greatness  of  this  calamity,  in 
the  western  part  of  Pennsylvania,  brought  by 
Indian  hostilities,  may  be  formed  from  the  fol- 
lowing letter  addressed  to  the  rector  and  war- 
dens of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's. 

Carlisle,  24th  August,  1763. 
Gentlemen, 

We  take  the  earliest  opportunity  of  answering  your  let- 
ter of  the  12th  inst.,  in  which  you  inform  us,  that  there  is 
at  your  disposal  a  sum  of  money  to  be  distributed  amongst 
the  poor  unhappy  people  on  our  frontiers,  who  have  been 
obliged  to  fly  their  habitations,  and  take  shelter  in  this 
town,  Shippensburgh,  Littleton,  Bedford,  &c.  We  assure 
you,  that  we  shall  now,  and  at  all  other  times,  be  ready  to 
give  you  as  full  and  true  information  of  every  thing  mate- 
rial relating  to  the  sufferers  on  our  frontiers,  as  we  shall  be 
able  ;  and  we  shall  also  be  ready  to  give  our  assistance  in 
the  distribution  of  such  sums  of  money,  as  you  shall  think 
proper  to  send  up,  from  time  to  time,  for  the  relief  of  those 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  141 

in  distress.  We  have  taken  pains  to  get  the  number  of  the 
distressed,  and  upon  a  strict  inquiry,  we  find  seven  hundred 
and  fifty  families  have  abandoned  their  plantations ;  the 
greatest  number  of  which  have  lost  their  crops,  some  their 
stock  and  furniture ;  and  besides  those,  we  are  informed 
that  there  are  about  two  hundred  women  and  children  com- 
ing down  from  Fort  Pitt.  We  also  find  that  the  sums  of 
money  already  sent  up  are  almost  expended,  and  that  each 
family  has  not  received  twenty  shillings  upon  an  average  ; 
although  the  greatest  care  has  been  taken  to  distribute  it 
to  those  alone,  who  appeared  the  greatest  objects  of  dis- 
tress. The  unhappy  sufferers  are  dispersed  through  every 
part  of  this  county,  and  many  have  passed  through  into 
York.  Their  exact  number  we  cannot  possibly  ascertain  ; 
we  can  only  inform  you,  that  in  this  town  and  its  neighbor- 
hood, there  are  upwards  of  two  hundred  families,  many  of 
which  are  in  the  greatest  exigence  ;  the  small  pox  and  flux 
raging  much  among  them  ;  and  from  hence  you  may  form 
a  judgment  of  the  numbers  distressed  through  the  other 
parts  of  this  county,  as  well  as  that  of  York.  The  other 
sums  being  almost  expended,  we  conceived  that  immediate 
relief  should  be  sent  up,  that  those  poor  people  may  be 
enabled  to  employ  a  physician  for  the  recovery  of  their 
sick,  as  well  as  to  purchase  bread  for  their  families  ;  and 
this  alone  is  what  their  present  necessities  call  for. 
We  are,  &c, 

Signed,  William  Thomson, 

Itinerant  Missionary  for  the  counties  of  York  and  Cum- 
berland. 

Francis  West, 
Thomas  Donnellan, 
Wardens  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  Carlisle. 

In  consequence  of  this  information,  a  large 


142  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

supply  of  flour,  rice,  medicine,  and  other  neces- 
saries, were  immediately  forwarded  by  the 
vestry,  for  the  relief  of  the  sufferers.  And  to 
enable  those,  who  chose  to  return  to  their 
plantations,  to  defend  themselves  against  future 
attacks  of  the  Indians,  "  the  vestry  are  of  opin- 
ion that  they  should  be  furnished  with  two 
chests  of  arms,  and  half  a  barrel  of  powder, 
400  pounds  of  lead,  200  of  swan  shot,  and 
1000  flints."  These  were  accordingly  sent, 
with  instructions  to  "  sell  them  to  such  prudent 
and  good  people  as  are  in  want  of  them, 
and  will  use  them  for  their  defence,  for  the 
prices  charged  in  the  invoice." 

October  17.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry 
held  this  day,  a  letter  was  laid  before  them, 
from  the  bishop  of  London,  dated  Fulham, 
May  24th,  1763,"  signifying  his  approbation  of 
the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Peters 
and  Sturgeon,  as  rector  and  assistant  in  the 
united  churches.  In  that  letter,  the  bishop 
says,  "  From  the  credentials  which  have  been 
transmitted  to  me,  both  from  the  missionaries 
and  others  of  the  clergy  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
also  from  Mr.  Sturgeon  and  Mr.  Duche,  your 
assistant  ministers,  concerning  Mr.  Peters's 
moral  character,  I  can  entertain  no  doubt  but 
it  is  altogether  unexceptionable,  and  therefore  I 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  143 

do  approve  of  your  appointment  of  him  to  be 
your  rector  in  the  churches  aforesaid.  I  de- 
pend on  it,  Mr.  Peters  will  embrace  the  first 
convenient  opportunity  of  coming  to  England, 
and  he  will  find  me  disposed  to  grant  him  a 
license  in  due  form." 

The  following  letter  was  also  laid  before  the 
vestry  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Smith,  pro- 
vost of  the  college  in  Philadelphia,  at  that  time 
in  London. 

"  To  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's,  in  Philadelphia. 

London,  June  4th,  1763. 
Gentlemen, 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Peters,  your  rector,  having  done  me  the 
honour  to  transmit,  through  my  hands,  your  address  to  the 
lord  bishop  of  London,  I  lost  no  time  in  delivering  the 
same,  and  have  at  length  received  his  lordship's  answer, 
most  cordially  approving  your  choice  of  Mr.  Peters,  and 
also  giving  his  approbation  of  Mr.  Sturgeon,  in  regard  to 
his  general  good  character,  though  he  has  not  quite 
escaped  his  lordship's  censure  in  the  affair  of  the  irregular 
marriage  complained  of.  You  will  perceive  that  his  lord- 
ship insists  on  it,  as  necessary  both  for  Mr.  Peters  and  Mr. 
Sturgeon  to  come  to  England,  to  be  regularly  licensed  ; 
and  this  the  strict  rules  of  the  church  would  require.  But 
as  one  sea  voyage  of  six  thousand  miles,  backwards  and 
forwards,  for  ordination,  is  already  a  burden  under  which 
our  American  church  groans  grievously,  his  lordship  is 
far  from  expecting  that  the  clergy  will  increase  this  bur- 
den, by  coming  a  second,  third  or  fourth  time,  as  often  as 


144  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

there  may  be  any  new  bishop,  or  any  new  appointment 
for  a  clergyman  himself.  His  lordship  only  thinks  that, 
as  this  is  regular,  his  insisting  on  it  may  help  to  place  in 
a  stronger  light  the  inconveniency  of  our  not  enjoying  on 
the  spot,  the  full  rights  of  a  christian  church,  as  to  the 
good  discipline  of  the  clergy,  and  keeping  up  a  succession 
in  the  holy  office  of  the  ministry  ;  and  trusts  that  these, 
and  the  like  things,  may  lead  the  administration  here  to 
consider  seriously  at  last  of  this  matter.  But  the  time 
seems  yet  at  a  distance  ;  and  indeed  while  things  are  so 
unsettled  at  home,  we  cannot  be  much  thought  of  abroad. 

I  thought  it  necessary  to  be  thus  particular  in  regard  to 
the  paragraph  in  the  bishop's  letter  ;  and  if  you  make 
any  record  of  it  in  your  books,  as  I  doubt  not  you  must,  it 
will  be  extremely  proper  to  enter  likewise  this  explanation, 
or  the  substance  of  it,  lest  it  should  have  a  construction 
put  upon  it,  which  it  was  not  meant  to  bear,  namely,  as 
subjecting  the  American  clergy  to  new  inconveniencies, 
which  might  deter  many  from  taking  holy  orders  in  our 
church. 

I  have  seen  the  draft  of  your  charter,  which  is  a  good 
one ;  only  I  think  power  should  have  been  reserved  to 
the  vestry,  if  they  should  ever  find  it  convenient,  to  con- 
stitute a  separate  head  for  each  church,  under  such  regu- 
lations as  they  might  think  proper.  A  time  may  come, 
when  they  would  find  this  a  very  necessary  power.  A 
few  words  would  have  conveyed  it  to  them,  and  if  they 
should  never  have  occasion  to  use  it,  it  would  have  stood 
very  innocently  on  the  face  of  the  charter.  Mr.  Penn 
seems  well  disposed  to  pass  the  charter,  and  oblige  the 
people  of  the  church,  as  soon  as  he  has  received  his  solici- 
tor's advice  as  to  the  law  parts  of  it.  If  any  solicitation  of 
mine  be  necessary,  it  shall  not  be  wanting  in  this  or  any 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  145 

other  business,  where  I  can  serve  the  general  cause  of  re- 
ligion, or  the  particular  one  of  your  church. 

I  rejoice  to  hear  of  the  christian  harmony  that  subsists 
among  you,  and  am  sure  that  under  so  good  a  man  as  Mr. 
Peters,  and  his  assistants,  it  must  continue  to  flourish ;  which 
is  the  sincere  prayer  of, 

Gentlemen,  your  affectionate  humble  servant, 

William  Smith." 

November  2.  A  subscription  of  £500.  is 
obtained  towards  purchasing  an  organ  for 
Christ  Church ;  and  a  committee  is  appointed 
to  collect  said  subscription,  and  more,  if  neces- 
sary; with  instructions  "to  make  the  best 
agreement  they  can  with  Mr.  Philip  Feyring, 
who  built  the  organ  now  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
and  to  employ  him  in  the  said  service  for  Christ 
Church." 

November  9.  The  following  address  to 
Governor  Penn,  on  his  arrival  in  the  colony, 
was  laid  before  the  vestry  for  their  approbation. 

"  To  the  honourable  John  Penn,  esquire,  lieutenant  govern- 
or and  commander  in  chief  of  the  province  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  counties  of  Newcastle,  Kent  and  Sussex 
upon  Delaware. 
The  address  of  the  rector,  ministers,  church  wardens  and 
vestrymen,  of  the  united  congregations  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 
May  it  please  your  honour, 

We,  the  rector,  ministers,  church  wardens  and 
vestrymen,  of  the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and 

13 


146  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

St.  Peter's,  in  this  city,  beg  leave  to  offer  you  our  hearty 
congratulations  upon  your  arrival  to  the  governm  ent  of  this 
province.  Amongst  the  many  objects  that  call  for  the 
care  and  protection  of  that  authority  with  which  you  are 
now  invested,  the  interests  of  religion  and  virtue  demand 
a  principal  place  ;  and  few  temporal  blessings  can  that 
state  expect  to  receive,  where  God  is  not  publicly  honour- 
ed, and  the  Gospel  of  the  blessed  Jesus  countenanced  and 
revered.  We  trust,  therefore,  that  you  will  be  the  happy 
instrument,  in  the  hands  of  heaven,  of  recommending  and 
enforcing,  by  your  influence  and  example,  the  practice  of 
true  religion  and  virtue  among  us.  It  is  with  pleasure  we 
embrace  this  opportunity  of  sincerely  and  thankfully 
acknowledging  the  many  obligations  we  are  under  to  that 
honourable  and  benevolent  family,  whose  name  you  bear, 
and  to  which  you  stand  so  nearly  allied.  The  large  benefac- 
tion, which  the  members  of  these  united  churches  have  re- 
ceived from  them,  we  hope  will  ever  be  remembered  with 
the  warmest  gratitude.  To  your  kind  patronage  and  pro- 
tection as  our  governor,  and  as  a  member  of  the  church  of 
England,  we  humbly  recommend  the  churches  under  our 
care,  sincerely  imploring  the  divine  blessing  upon  your  ad- 
ministration :  by  which  alone  it  can  become  a  comfort  to 
yourself,  and  a  happiness  to  those  over  whom  you  are  ap- 
pointed to  preside. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  vestry. 

Richard  Peters,  Rector. 
November  9,  1763." 

"  The  vestry  then  waited  on  the  governor, 
and  delivered  their  address;  to  which  his 
honour  was  pleased  to  return  the  following 
answer." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  147 

"  Gentlemen, 

I  thank  you  for  your  kind  congratulations  on  my  arrival, 
can  sincerely  assure  you,  that  the  established  church  will 
nd  in  me  a  hearty  readiness  to  promote  their  prosperity, 
and  to  do  them  every  good  office  in  my  power.  The  pro- 
prietaries cannot  but  be  pleased  with  your  warm  expres- 
sions of  gratitude,  which  I  shall  not  fail  to  communicate  to 
them  by  the  first  opportunity." 

1764. 

April  3.  "  The  members  of  the  vestry,  who 
frequently  attended  while  the  children  of  the 
united  congregations  were  improved  in  the  art  of 
psalmody,  reported  that  they  had  observed  Mr. 
William  Young,  in  conjunction  with  the  secre- 
tary, Mr.  Hopkinson,*  to  take  great  and  con- 
stant pains  in  teaching  and  instructing  the 
children ;  it  was  therefore  unanimously  agreed, 
that  the  thankful  acknowledgments  of  this 
board  be  given  Mr.  Hopkinson  and  Mr.  Young, 
for  these  their  kind  services,  which  they  are 
requested  still  to  continue." 

June  13.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Peters  acquaints 
the  vestry  of  his  intention  of  going  to  England? 
and  his  wish  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  should 
officiate  occasionally  for  him  during  his  ab- 
sence ;  to  which  the  vestry  readily  assented. 

*  The  Honourable  Francis  Hopkinson,  who  was  afterwards  a  judge 
of  the  United  States  district  court,  and  one  of  the  signers  of  the  declara- 
tion of  independence.  He  was  a  popular  poet,  and  a  distinguished  jurist. 


148  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  an 
address  to  the  rector,  in  behalf  of  the  vestry, 
on  occasion  of  his  going  abroad,  which  address 
is  as  follows. 

"  Reverend  Sir, 

We,  the  ministers,  church  wardens,  and  vestrymen  of 
the  united  congregations  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's, 
cannot  suffer  the  present  opportunity  of  your  departure  for 
England  to  pass,  without  testifying  the  grateful  and  affec- 
tionate sense  which  we  must  ever  retain  of  your  long 
and  faithful  services  to  our  churches,  _both  before  and 
since  your  appointment  to  the  rectorship  of  these  congre- 
gations. The  prudence  of  your  conduct,  your  liberality, 
piety,  and  other  good  qualities,  have  endeared  you  to  us ; 
and  we  shall  not  cease  to  offer  up  our  sincere  prayers  to 
heaven,  that  you  may  be  preserved  from  the  dangers  of 
the  sea,  restored  in  your  health,  and  speedily  returned  to 
the  exercise  of  your  ministry  among  us." 

To  which  the  rector  returned  the  following 
answer. 

"  My  dear  fellow  labourers  in  Christ,  and  you  gentle- 
men of  the  vestry ;  the  affection  expressed  in  your  kind 
address,  fills  my  breast  with  the  tenderest  sensibility. 
Could  the  bad  state  of  my  health,  or  my  engagements  to 
an  absent  branch  of  my  family,  lrave  permitted,  I  would 
never  have  suffered  the  pain  I  now  feel  at  the  approach  of 
my  separation  from  you.  And  I  do  assure  you,  that  it  is  my 
full  purpose,  with  the  divine  permission,  to  return  to  you 
at  the  close  of  the  next  summer.  Even  this  absence, 
though  as  short  as  it  possibly  can  be,  will  appear  tiresome 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  149 

to  me.  Continue  in  the  agreeable  harmony  and  affection 
in  which  I  leave  you.  Be  perfect.  Be  of  good  comfort. 
Be  of  one  mind.  Live  in  peace.  And  may  the  God  of 
love  and  peace  be  with  you." 

At  this  meeting,  the  rector  informed  the  ves- 
try, "  that  the  purchase  of  the  lot  in  the  south 
end  of  this  city  amounted  to  £500.  sterling, 
and  that  the  sale  of  the  south  sea  stock  amount- 
ed to  no  more  than  £284."  He  therefore  very 
generously  gave  them  £100.  sterling,  towards 
the  purchase  of  the  lot,  and  offered  to  lend 
them  the  balance  of  £116.  sterling;  which  of- 
fer the  vestry  gladly  accepted. 

"  An  account  was  produced  to  the  board 
from  Mr.  Robert  Smith,  for  building  a  pulpit, 
reading  desk,  &c,  and  for  erecting  rails  around 
the  chancel  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  amounting  to 
£285.  135.  3d." 

1765. 

January  7.  "  A  proposal  was  made  to  the 
vestry  to  apply  to  the  honourable  house  of  the 
freemen  of  Pennsylvania,  for  liberty  to  raise, 
by  way  of  lottery,  £1500,  in  order  to  discharge 
the  debts  due  for  the  building  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  which  amounted  to  near  that  sum.  To 
this  the  vestry  assented.  Intimation  being  at 
the  same  time  given  that  the  members  of  the 

13* 


150  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

church  of  England,  in  the  county  towns  of 
York  and  Reading,  had  the  same  intentions  of 
petitioning  the  house  for  liberty,  to  raise  by 
way  of  lottery,  £300.  each,  for  erecting  places 
of  worship  for  their  use  in  the  said  towns,  it 
was  thought  expedient  to  draw  one  petition  for 
the  whole,  that  the  three  lotteries  may  be  joined 
in  one  scheme."  A  petition  to  the  house  was 
accordingly  drawn  up,  approved  by  the  vestry, 
and  "  signed  in  behalf  of  the  two  congrega- 
tions," by  the  wardens.  This  petition  sets 
forth,  "  that  some  years  ago  it  was  represented 
and  made  appear  to  the  rector,  church  wardens 
and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church,  that  by  the 
late  growth  of  this  city  and  increase  of  the 
members  of  the  church  in  it,  many  serious  and 
well  disposed  persons  in  the  communion  and 
persuasion  of  the  said  church,  were  without  the 
opportunity  of  attending  regularly  on  the  public 
exercises  of  religion,  agreeable  to  the  form 
which  their  consciences  approved,  by  reason 
that  they  could  not  be  accommodated  with 
pews,  or  room  in  Christ  Church  aforesaid; 
and  on  account  of  the  great  distance  it  lay  from 
many  of  them,  which  made  their  attendance 
inconvenient  in  the  extremities  of  heat  and  cold. 
That  the  said  rector,  church  wardens  and  ves- 
trymen, duly  considering  the  premises,  and  be- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH,  151 

ing  desirous  to  promote  the  service  of  Almighty 
God,  with  which  the  welfare  of  society  is  insep- 
arably connected,  did  obtain  a  convenient  lot 
for  building  a  new  church.  That  it  being  con- 
sidered that  public  buildings  may  be  rendered 
among  the  chief  ornaments  of  every  city,  and 
that  the  said  proposed  church  would  be  of  last- 
ing use  to  the  public,  it  was  determined  to  erect 
it  in  a  commodious  manner,  with  as  much  ele- 
gance as  might  be  consistent  with  plainness  and 
simplicity.  That  the  members  of  the  church 
of  England  in  this  city,  determined  to  defray 
the  expense  of  this  building  by  contributions 
among  themselves ;  being  unwilling  to  have 
recourse  to  lotteries,  which  were  then  very  fre- 
quent for  similar  designs;  or  to  apply  for  assis- 
tance to  other  societies,  who  were  generally 
labouring  under  burdens  for  finishing  or  enlarg- 
ing their  own  houses  of  worship.  That  a  neat 
and  convenient  church,  called  St.  Peter's,  had 
been  accordingly  built,  in  union  and  under  the 
same  government  with  Christ  Church  aforesaid, 
at  the  joint  expense  of  the  members  of  both 
congregations,  who  have  raised  upwards  of 
three  thousand  six  hundred  pounds  among 
themselves  for  this  purpose.  But  by  the  sud- 
den rise  of  the  price  of  materials  and  labour, 
your  petitioners,  who  are  the  representatives  of 


152  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

both  congregations,  find  that  they  still  are  un- 
der a  heavy  debt  of  near  fifteen  hundred  pounds, 
for  finishing  the  said  St.  Peter's  Church,  for  en- 
closing the  burying  ground,  and  purchasing  an 
addition  to  it,  as  they  are  willing  to  make  ap- 
pear to  the  house ;  which  debt  they  have  no 
prospect  of  being  able  to  pay  by  further  contri- 
butions among  their  own  members  ;  as  almost 
every  person  capable  of  contributing,  has  al- 
ready repeated  his  original  subscription,  and 
some  who  did  subscribe  are  unable  to  perform 
their  engagements.  That  under  these  circum- 
stances, your  petitioners  found  they  had  no 
other  resource,  but  to  apply  to  the  legislature 
for  aid  by  way  of  lottery." 

The  church  wardens  were  directed  to  pre- 
sent the  above  petition  to  the  house  at  a  proper 
time. 

April  1 5.  "  The  committee  for  building  an 
organ  for  Christ  Church,  reported,  that  the 
same  was  now  ready  to  be  put  up ;  the  vestry 
therefore  ordered,  that  the  same  should  be 
erected  in  the  west  end  of  Christ  Church  afore- 
said, in  the  front  of  the  gallery." 

"  Resolved,  that  two  single  [seats]  should  be 
built,  one  on  each  side  of  the  communion  ta- 
ble ;  and  the  church  wardens  are  desired  to 
see  the  same  accomplished  as  soon  as  possible." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  153 

May  25.  The  following  letter  from  the  rec- 
tor, in  England,  was  laid  before  the  vestry. 

London,  17th  March,  1765. 
Gentlemen, 

When  I  arrived  in  London,  I  found  your  draught  of  a 
charter  in  the  hands  of  the  archbishop  of  Canterbury.  Mr. 
Penn  has  the  honour  to  be  on  very  good  and  friendly  terms 
with  him  ;  and  as  the  archbishop  had  interested  himself 
heartily  for  the  academy,  and  expressed  himself  very  hand- 
somely with  respect  to  our  churches,  whose  situation  and 
occurrences  he  knew  exactly  well,  Mr.  Penn  thought  he 
could  not  be  excused  from  laying  the  draught  before  his 
grace,  and  desiring  it  might  be  made  agreeable  to  his  judg- 
ment. His  grace  made  some  very  weighty  objections  to 
it ;  and  I  thought  what  his  grace  said  carried  reason  in  it, 
as  to  excluding  your  rector  from  sundry  things  incident  to 
his  office  ;  but  I  removed  them  in  such  a  manner  as  did 
honour  to  my  vestry  and  the  congregation,  and  showed  my 
own  disinterestedness.  The  proprietaries,  who  really  love 
the  church,  were  greatly  delighted  at  the  thing,  as  it  was 
agreeable  to  their  own  judgment.  After  this,  my  system 
for  the  recovery  of  my  health  obliged  me  to  go  to  Liver- 
pool, and  as  the  charter  was  not  just  then  ready,  I  left  it  to 
be  sent  according  to  a  promise,  which  Mr.  Penn  directed 
me  to  give  to  Dr.  Kearsley,  to  whom  he  found  me  writing 
a  letter,  that  it  should  be  sent  by  the  then  next  packet. 
However,  after  I  went  away,  other  things  occurred,  and 
they  did  not  think  it  right  to  make  the  least  alteration  with- 
out my  consent.  Do  not  imagine  the  least  fault  in  Mr. 
Penn  ;  he  always  was,  and  always  will  be,  well  disposed  to 
your  churches  and  to  your  persons.  As  to  the  alterations, 
they  were  mostly  such  as  I  told  you   in  vestry,  and  Mr. 


154  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Perm's  council  thought  should  be  made,  viz.  :  That  as  the 
charter  could  not  give  you  a  power  out  of  Pennsylvania, 
so  the  word  (elsewhere)  ought  to  be  struck  out ;  and  that 
it  would  be  right  to  begin  with  a  small  sum  in  mortmain 
at  first,  because  other  churches  would  want  like  powers, 
and  they  might  be  better  restrained  when  no  more  was  given 
to  you.  As  to  this,  you  see  it  is  put  for  the  present  at 
£600.  which  will  do,  as  it  is  exclusive  of  the  moneys  aris- 
ing from  pews  and  the  burial  ground,  of  which  you  have  the 
sole  disposition.  I  told  the  archbishop  of  your  present 
practice,  which  satisfied  him  tolerably  well,  but  then  he 
insisted  I  should  make  it  a  point  with  you,  that  the  present 
appropriation  of  the  pews  to  the  rector  and  ministers,  in 
some  proportions  or  other,  should  be  stipulated  between  us. 
The  present  proportions  were  well  enough,  as  they  arose 
from  my  desire  ;  but  these  will  admit  of  alterations,  as  you 
may  see  occasion  hereafter.  If  any  change  be  made  in 
vestry,  let  the  new  charter  conform  to  it.  Wait  on  the 
governor  very  respectfully.  Orders  are  given  to  my  bro- 
ther to  convey  the  lots  to  the  churches  ;  but  as  the  trust 
will  be  difficult  to  be  expressed,  so  as  to  preserve  that  part 
of  the  lot  which  is  bought  with  the  society's  money,  for  the 
use  of  the  rector  of  Christ  Church,  and  that  which  is 
bought  with  my  money,  (for  I  suppose  nobody  will  now 
contribute  a  farthing)  to  the  minister  of  St.  Peter's,  if 
ever  separated,  I  think  it  would  be  better  to  postpone  this 
affair  to  my  return.  I  am  the  only  loser.  My  heart  is 
with  you,  and  as  my  vows  are  made  to  heaven  to  devote  the 
remainder  of  my  life  to  prepare  you  and  myself  for  another 
world,  I  shall  not  suffer  any  opportunity  of  embarkation  for 
your  city  to  pass,  that  shall  offer  after  the  first  of  August. 
London  is  very  disagreeable  to  me.  To-morrow  I  go  to 
Bristol  to  drink  the  waters.  As  I  know  any  thing  I  can 
say  in  favour  of  my  health  will  give  you  pleasure,  I   tell 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  155 

you  with  truth  and  satisfaction,  and  abundance  of  thanks  to 
my  good  God,  that  I  am  likely  to  be  restored  to  my  for- 
mer health.  To  the  divine  protection  and  favour  I  com- 
mit you;  praying  for  you  and  yours,  and  for  my  dear  con- 
gregations, with  the  utmost  fervency. 

I  am,  with  the  most  cordial  esteem,  dear  gentlemen, 
Your  most  affectionate  and  faithful  pastor, 

Richard  Peters. 
To  the  church-wardens  and   vestrymen  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's. 

A  copy  of  the  charter  was  received  with  the 
above  letter,  and  read  in  vestry. 

June  28.  "  This  day  the  charter  granted 
by  the  honourable  proprietaries  of  this  prov- 
ince to  the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's  in  this  city,  signed  by  the  hon- 
ourable John  Penn,  Esq.,  lieutenant  governor, 
and  under  the  great  seal  of  this  province,  for 
incorporating  the  rector,  church  wardens,  and 
vestrymen  of  the  said  united  congregations, 
and  enabling  them  to  take,  receive  and  hold, 
lands,  &c,  was  brought  into  vestry  and  distinct- 
ly read,  paragraph  by  paragraph ;  and  thereupon 
the  question  was  put,  Whether  this  vestry  will 
receive  and  accept  the  said  charter  of  incor- 
poration? And  thereupon  resolved,  nemine 
contradicente,  That  this  vestry  do  now  receive 
and  accept  the  said  charter." 

It  was  then  "  Ordered,  that  the  thanks  of 


156  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

this  vestry  be  given  to  the  honourable  proprie- 
taries, and  to  John  Penn,  Esq.,  their  lieutenant 
governor,  for  their  favour  in  granting  the  said 
charter,"  which  was  accordingly  done  in  the 
words  following,  viz. : 

To    the    honourable   Thomas    Penn   and    Richard    Penn, 
Esquires,  true  and  absolute  proprietaries  of  the  province 
of  Pennsylvania,  &c. 
The  humble  address  of  the  rector,  church  wardens  and 
vestrymen   of   the  united   Episcopal   churches    of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, in  the  province  of  Pennsylvania. 
Honoured  Gentlemen, 

With  the  most  unfeigned  sincerity  permit  us  to 
express  our  deep  sense  of  your  constant  readiness  to  pro- 
mote the  interests  of  religion  and  knowledge  in  this  prov- 
ince, and  more  particularly  your  benevolence  and  kindness 
to  the  members  of  the  church  of  England  in  this  city, 
which  have  laid  the  congregations  we  represent  under  pe- 
culiar ties  of  gratitude  to  you.  Your  generous  and  free 
gift  of  a  lot  for  St.  Peter's  Church,  gave  us  an  opportunity 
some  years  ago  to  offer  our  warmest  acknowledgments  to 
you,  which  we  are  now  called  to  repeat,  by  a  fresh  instance 
of  your  indulgence  in  granting  our  churches  A  Charter 
of  Incorporation,  which  has  been  most  gratefully  accept- 
ed. By  the  aid  and  sanction  of  this  charter,  we  trust,  the 
benefactions  of  pious  persons  to  charitable  uses  in  our  con- 
gregations may  be  more  effectually  managed,  and  the 
order,  government  and  decorum  of  our  churches  better 
maintained.  As  these  were  the  purposes  for  which  this 
charter  was  humbly  solicited  on  our  part,  and  kindly 
granted  on  yours,  it  shall  be  our  endeavour,  as  we  hope  it 


OF    CHRIST     CHURCH.  157 

will  be  that  of  our  successors,  to  make  use  of  it  only  for 

these  important  ends. 

Praying  for  every  happiness,   temporal  and  eternal,  to 

you  and  your  families,  we  are,  with  the  utmost  esteem  and 

gratitude,  honoured  gentlemen,  yours,  &c, 

Richard  Peters,  Rector. 
Charles  Stedman,  >    Church- 
Townsend  White,  $   wardens. 

Phila.,  Feb.  17,  1766. 

December  28.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Peters  having 
returned  from  England,  the  vestry  went  in  a 
body  to  the  parsonage  house,  to  offer  him 
"  their  sincere  and  hearty  congratulations  on 
his  safe  arrival." 

1766. 

July  31.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Sturgeon,  in  con- 
sequence of  ill  health,  resigns  his  office  as 
assistant  minister  in  the  united  churches ;  hav- 
ing officiated  in  that  capacity  for  nineteen 
years. 

August  18.  "  As  the  school  house  was 
now  vacant,  and  the  vestry  were  without  any 
room  to  meet  and  do  business  in,  and  the  rec- 
tor had  it  not  in  his  power,  for  want  of  room 
in  the  parsonage  house,  to  lodge  any  of  the 
clergy  who  might  come  to  town  on  their  own 
business,  or  be  inclined  to  come  and  offer  their 
services  to  the  churches,  it  was  unanimously 

14 


158  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

resolved,  that  the  school  house  and  chamber 
over  it  should  not  be  let,  but  left  to  the  rector 
to  make  such  use  of  as  would  best  serve  the 
conveniency  of  his  family ;  so  that  the  library 
belonging  to  the  churches  should  be  where  it 
is,  and  be  well  taken  care  of,  and  the  lower 
room  be  made  use  of  by  the  vestry  for  their 
meetings,  whenever  they  should  want  to  meet 
upon  business. 

"  The  rector  and  church  wardens  are  desired 
to  set  the  catalogues  of  the  old  and  new  libra- 
ry,  and  see  that  the  books  are  all  in  their 
places  ;  and  when  examined,  a  true  and  perfect 
catalogue  is  to  be  made  out,  and  entered  in  the 
vestry  book. 

"  It  was  then  moved  by  the  rector,  that  the 
vestry  would  consider  what  steps  should  be 
taken  to  have  Mr.  Sturgeon's  place  filled  up ; 
and  several  things  were  mentioned,  but  nothing 
concluded  upon." 

December  2.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Peters  declines 
receiving  any  further  salary,  until  the  churches 
have  paid  off  their  debt  of  £900.,  which  was 
incurred  by  the  finishing  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 

1767. 

January  12.  "  The  organ  in  Christ  Church 
being  finished,  the  same  was  carefully  examin- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  159 

ed  by  the  governor,  Mr.  Bremner  the  organist, 
and  several  others,  who  were  deemed  to  under- 
stand such  work,  in  the  presence  of  the  rector 
and  church  wardens,  and  other  members  of  the 
church;  and  they  reported,  that  the  work  in 
every  part  of  it  was  not  only  well  and  faithfully 
done,  but  that  the  expense  had  exceeded  the 
estimate,  upon  which  the  original  contract  was 
founded  ;  and  that  for  this  reason,  the  maker, 
Mr.  Feyring,  ought  to  receive  some  proper  al- 
lowance." 

June  15.  It  was  represented  to  the  vestry, 
that  Christ  Church  was  "much  out  of  repair, 
both  within  and  without ;  that  it  wanted  white- 
washing and  new  painting ;  that  a  great  deal 
of  the  glass  in  the  windows  was  broken,  and 
the  leads  for  the  most  part  wanted  repair,  and 
to  be  soldered  again,"  &c. ;  but  there  being  no 
funds  in  the  treasury,  "the  rector  offered,  if 
the  vestry  would  procure  and  overlook  the 
workmen,  to  advance  the  necessary  cash;" 
which  was  agreed  to.  "  Mr.  Anthony  Denor- 
mandie  proposed  to  white-wash  the  church  for 
forty  pounds,  to  paint  it  for  the  sum  of  sixty- 
five  pounds,  and  to  repair  the  glass  and  new 
lead  the  windows  for  twelve  pounds ;  and  to 
do  it  so  that  for  five  years  together,  he  would 


160  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

keep  the  windows  in  repair  for  five  shillings  a 
year.     The  vestry  agreed  to  his  proposals." 

1768. 

February  16.  "The  trees  planted  in  the 
church  yard  belonging  to  the  new  church,  hav- 
ing been  wantonly  cut  down  by  some  malicious 
persons,  a  reward  of  five  pounds  is  offered  for 
their  detection. 

"  The  streets  leading  to  St.  Peter's  Church, 
not  being  paved,  are  often  so  bad,  that  peo- 
ple cannot  come  to  church ;  therefore,  the 
rector,  church  wardens,  and  such  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  vestry  as  will  join  with  them,  are 
desired  to  lay  this  matter  before  the  commis- 
sioners for  paving  the  streets,  and  request  that 
that  part  of  the  city  may  be  paved." 

September  5.  "  The  rector  informed  the 
vestry  that  there  was  to  be  an  Indian  treaty 
held  at  Fort  Stanwix,  for  the  settlement  of  a 
boundary  line  between  the  Indians  and  his 
majesty,  and  other  matters  of  importance ; 
and  that  the  governor  and  council  had  desired 
he  would  attend  it,  from  a  belief  that  his  long 
experience  in  Indian  affairs  would  enable  him 
to  be  of  great  service  there ;  and  as  he  thought 
with  them,  that  he  might  be  of  some  service, 
being  personally  acquainted  with  Sir  William 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  161 

Johnson,  and  having  received  letters  from  Mr. 
Croghan,  Sir  William's  deputy,  expressing 
their  opinion  that  his  attendance  would  be  ser- 
viceable, he  had  consented  to  go;  and  Dr. 
Smith  was  so  good  as  to  promise  to  do  his 
duty  in  his  absence.  The  vestry  unanimously 
expressed  their  satisfaction,  and  kindly  said, 
they  were  a  little  fearful  it  would  be  too  great 
an  undertaking,  considering  the  rector's  state 
of  health." 

1769. 

August  14.  By  the  will  of  Mrs.  Mary  An- 
drews, one  hundred  pounds  had  been  left  for 
a  monument,  and  also  for  a  pulpit,  in  Christ 
Church.  The  rector  now  informed  the  vestry, 
that  £33.  7s.  9d.  had  been  expended  for  a 
monument  to  Mrs.  Andrews,  and  that  he  had 
in  his  hands  the  balance,  amounting  to  £66. 
12s.  3d.,  which  he  was  ready  to  pay  over  to 
the  church  wardens,  "  so  soon  as  they  had  con- 
cluded on  a  form  for  a  pulpit,  and  the  place  in 
church  where  it  should  stand." 

Whereupon,  "  Resolved,  that  a  new  pulpit  be 
forthwith  built,  and  that  plans  for  the  same  be 
prepared  and  laid  before  the  next  vestry."  At 
the  next  meeting,  a  plan  was  submitted  by 
John  Folwell,  which  was  approved,  and  the 
14* 


162  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

vestry  contracted  with  him  to  make  it  for  £70. 
It  was  to  be  placed  "  at  the  front  of  the  com- 
munion table,  and  as  near  it  as  could  be  done, 
without  incommoding  the  approach  to  it." 

October  23.  The  fence  around  the  church 
burial  ground  in  Arch  street,  being  quite  out 
of  repair,  a  subscription  paper  was  opened  for 
a  brick  wall  around  the  same ;  and  Mr.  Peter 
Turner,  one  of  the  vestry,  immediately  sub- 
scribed one  hundred  pounds  for  that  object. 

The  wall  was  commenced  early  in  the  fol- 
lowing spring,  and  completed  in  1772,  at  an 
expense  of  more  than  seven  hundred  pounds. 

The  corporation  for  the  relief  of  the  widows 
and  children  of  clergymen,  in  the  communion 
of  the  church  of  England,  in  America,  held 
their  first  meeting  in  Christ  Church,  on  the  10th 
October,  1769,  when  Dr.  Smith,  provost  of  the 
college,  preached  a  sermon  ;#  after  which  a 
collection  of  £40.  was  made  to  the  funds  of  the 
corporation. 

1770. 
June  11.     "  The  rector  acquainted  the  ves- 
try that  the  pulpit  was  finished  according  to 
contract ;  that  John  Folwell  had  done  it  well, 
and  that  it  was  universally  admired." 

*  See  Smith's  Works,  vol.  ii.  p.  385. 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  163 

This  is  the  same  pulpit  which  is  now  in  the 
church.  The  cost  of  pulpit  was  £70. ;  reading 
desk,  £20.  25.  10^.,  painting,  £18. 

September  10.  "  Mr.  Jonathan  Brown,  mer- 
chant, was  so  good  as  to  give  an  order  to  the 
rector  on  the  vendue-master,  for  two  hundred 
pounds,  profits  on  goods  sold  to  him,  that  had 
been  deposited  in  the  public  warehouse,  belong- 
ing to  the  merchants  associated  to  prevent  the 
importation  of  English  goods ;"  the  money  to 
be  at  the  disposal  of  the  vestry. 

December  10.  "  Mr.  church- warden  Hop- 
kinson  having  been  so  obliging  as  to  perform 
on  the  organ  at  Christ  Church,  during  the  ab- 
sence of  Mr.  Bremner,  the  late  organist,  the 
vestry  unanimously  requested  of  him  a  contin- 
uance of  this  kind  office,  until  an  organist 
should  be  appointed,  or  as  long  as  it  should  be 
convenient  and  agreeable  to  himself.  Mr.  Hop- 
kinson  cheerfully  granted  this  request." 

Mr.  John  Bankson  was  appointed  organist 
of  St.  Peter's  Church. 

1771. 

April  30.  John  Penn,  Esq.,  lieutenant  gov- 
ernor of  the  province,  being  about  to  return  to 
England,  the  rector,  wardens,  and  vestrymen, 
waited  on  him  with  an  address  of  thanks,  "  for 


164  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  many  public  as  well  as  private  testimonies 
of  his  regard  for  the  interest  of  the  church  of 
England  in  this  city."  To  which  the  governor 
returned  an  affectionate  answer  ;  assuring  the 
vestry  that  he  should  t;  always  rejoice  at  the 
prosperity  of  the  church  of  England,  and  that 
nothing  shall  ever  be  wanting  on  his  part,  to 
encourage  and  support  it  in  America,  and  more 
particularly  in  this  city  and  province." 

"  The  governor  desired  Mr.  Duche  to  print 
the  sermon  he  had  preached  before  both  con- 
gregations, on  the  death  of  the  late  proprietary, 
Richard  Penn,  Esq."  This  sermon,  which  was 
preached  April  21,  1771,  may  be  found  in  the 
Loganian  library,  together  with  several  other 
sermons  by  the  same  author. 

May  20.  The  vestry  pass  a  vote  of  thanks 
to  Mrs.  Margaret  Edwards,  for  her  present  to 
the  churches  of  "  two  surplices,  which  were 
finished  with  her  own  hands,  and  much  admired 
for  their  neatness  and  elegance." 

June  4.  The  steeple  of  Christ  Church  hav- 
ing been  thoroughly  examined  by  Mr.  Robert 
Smith,  the  builder,  is  found  to  be  "  in  a  most 
ruinous  condition,"  and  "  in  danger  of  an  im- 
mediate fall."  The  vestry,  therefore,  engaged 
Mr.  Smith  to  procure  workmen  and  materials, 
and   have   it  forthwith  repaired.     The  whole 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  165 

expense  of  repairs  on  the  steeple  alone,  amount- 
ed to  £644.  25.  lOd. 

October  19.  A  meeting  of  the  vestry  was 
called  this  day,  to  prepare  an  address  to  the 
new  governor,  who  had  just  arrived.  The  ad- 
dress is  as  follows : — 

"  To  the  honourable  Richard  Penn,  Esq.,  lieutenant  gov- 
ernor, &c. 
The  humble  address  of  the  rector,  church  wardens,  and 

vestrymen  of  the  united  congregations  of  Christ  Church 

and  St.  Peters,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 
May  it  please  your  honour, 

We  most  heartily  join  in  the  general  satisfaction  which 
your  safe  arrival  in  your  government  gives  the  good  peo- 
ple of  this  province.  Whilst  every  religious  denomination 
expects,  from  your  known  character,  a  just  and  affectionate 
regard  to  their  respective  societies,  we  have  a  most  pleas- 
ing assurance  that  you  will  never  be  wanting  in  extending 
your  protection  and  goodness  to  our  church,  of  which  you 
are  a  member.  We  sincerely  wish  you  a  continuance  of 
health,  and  that  you  may  enjoy  all  the  benefits  which  arise 
from  an  upright  and  steady  administration. 
Signed  in,  and  by  order  of,  vestry, 

Richard  Peters,  Rector. 

Philadelphia,  October  19,  1771." 

To  the  above,  the  governor  returned  the 
following  answer : 

"  Gentlemen, 

I  thank  you  for  your  affectionate  address.  You  are  per- 
fectly right  in  thinking  that  I  can  set  a  just  value  on  the 


166  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

church  to  which  I  belong,  without  losing  a  proper  regard 
for  every  other  religious  society. 

As  a  member  of  the  church  of  England,  therefore,  you 
may  be  assured  I  shall  always  rejoice  in  every  opportunity 
of  promoting  the  prosperity  of  that  branch  of  it  which  is 
under  your  particular  care." 

1772. 

January.  Doctor  John  Kearsley  died  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eighty-eight  years  ;  "  an  an- 
cient, worthy,  and  useful  member  of  the  church." 
His  name  appears  among  the  vestrymen,  as 
early  as  April,  1719  ;  and  he  continued  to  hold 
a  seat  in  that  body,  either  as  warden  or  vestry- 
man, for  a  period  of  fifty-three  years ;  always 
taking  an  active  interest  in  all  the  affairs  of  the 
church.  He  left  by  his  will  a  very  large  part 
of  his  estate,  both  real  and  personal,  in  trust, 
to  the  corporation  of  the  united  churches  of 
Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  to  found  that 
charitable  institution  known  as  "  Christ  Church 
Hospital,""  for  the  support  often  or  more  poor 
or  distressed  women,  of  the  communion  of  the 
church  of  England,  or  such  as  the  said  corpo- 
ration and  their  successors  shall  deem  such  ; 
preferring  clergymen's  widows  before  others, 
and  supplying  them  with  meat,  drink  and 
lodging,  and  the  assistance  of  persons  practis- 
ing physic  and  surgery." 


OP    CHRIST     CHURCH.  167 

June  19.  The  rector  informed  the  vestry, 
that  the  whole  pastoral  duty  of  both  churches 
had  been  performed  by  himself  and  Mr.  Duche, 
since  Mr.  Sturgeon's  resignation ;  that  "  the 
duty  was  too  heavy  to  be  performed  by  any 
two  persons;"  and  that  his  own  health  was 
such,  that  it  was  not  probable  he  should  be 
able  to  officiate  for  some  time.  "  Under  this 
exigency,"  he  says,  "  several,  I  may  say  almost 
all,  have  turned  their  eyes  on  two  young  gen- 
tlemen, Mr.  Coombe  and  Mr.  White,  who  were 
both  born  and  educated  in  this  city,  both  of 
excellent  moral  characters,  and  known  abilities  ; 
both  in  full  orders,  and  licensed  by  the  bishop 
of  London  for  this  province.  You,  gentlemen, 
I  believe,  think  with  the  congregations,  as  I 
likewise  do,  that  an  immediate  assistance  is 
wanted,  and  that  a  fairer  opportunity  of  having 
it  can  never  offer."  "  The  vestry  agreed  that 
two  assistant  ministers  were  necessary ;  ex- 
pressed their  good  opinion  of  the  merits  of  Mr. 
Coombe  and  Mr.  White,  and  their  desire  to  in- 
vite them  as  assistants,  if  ways  and  means  could 
be  devised  to  raise  money  for  their  support; 
the  present  revenues  of  the  churches  being 
barely  sufficient  to  provide  for  the  rector  and 
Mr.  Duche." 

The  further  consideration  of  this  matter  was 


168  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

postponed,  until  an  accurate  statement  of  the 
church  funds  could  be  obtained ;  and  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

November  16.  The  committee  on  the  state 
of  the  funds,  report,  "  that  for  five  years  back, 
the  total  sums  received  by  the  church-wardens, 
average  annually,  £831.  35.  9c?." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Peters  again  urges  the  neces- 
sity of  having  two  assistant  ministers  appointed, 
and  informs  the  vestry  that  since  their  meeting 
in  June,  Mr.  Coombe  and  Mr.  White  had  fa- 
voured him  with  their  assistance,  and  had  given 
the  congregations  and  himself  great  satisfac- 
tion. 

After  serious  deliberation,  "  it  was  unani- 
mously agreed,  that  the  rector  should  be  desired 
to  confer  with  Mr.  Coombe,  and  Mr.  White, 
and  know  of  them  on  what  terms  they  would 
be  satisfied  to  become  assistant  ministers." 

23.  The  rector  laid  before  the  vestry  the 
following  letters,  in  reference  to  the  subject  of 
the  last  meeting. 

November  21,  1772. 
Dear  and  Reverend  Sir, 

I  find  myself  a  good  deal  at  a  loss  how  properly  to  an- 
swer your  polite  letter.  A  desire  to  avoid  the  appearance 
of  covetousness,  and  every  thing  that  may  look  like  driving 
a  bargain,  in  a  concern  where  our  motives  should  be  the 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  169 

most  generous  on  both  sides,  would  urge  me  to  undertake 
the  service  of  the  church  on  almost  any  terms ;  but  my 
particular  situation  and  wants  represent  it  to  me  in  the  light 
of  duty  not  to  involve  myself  and  my  connexions  in  poverty, 
through  a  mistaken  notion  of  disinterestedness.*  Sir,  every 
gentleman  in  your  vestry  is  a  better  judge  of  what  can  sup- 
port a  family  decently,  than  I  can  be  supposed  to  be.  They 
have  already  provided  salaries  for  assistant  ministers,  at  a 
time  when  the  expenses  of  living  were  much  more  reason- 
able than  they  are  at  present ;  and  having  these  facts  be- 
fore them,  I  rather  wish  a  proposal  on  their  part,  than 
offer  a  demand  on  mine. 

I  sincerely  thank  you  for  the  wish  you  express  that  no 
time  may  be  lost  in  bringing  this  affair  to  a  conclusion,  and 
am, 

Dear  Sir,  your  most  obedient,  affectionate  servant, 

Th.  Coombe. 
Rev.  Dr.  Peters. 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir, 

I  return  you  my  thanks  for  your  obliging  manner  of 
communicating  to  me  the  minute  of  vestry,  made  on  the 
16th  of  this  month.  After  mature  consideration  on  what 
is  there  proposed,  it  is  my  opinion  that  it  will  be  more 
honourable,  both  for  the  gentlemen  of  the  vestry  and  for 
myself,  if  the  sum  to  be  given  towards  my  support  be  first 
named  by  them  ;  because  it  will  depend  on  the  state  of 
their  funds,  of  which  they  are  much  better  judges  than  I 
can  be  ;  and  I  am  persuaded  that  they  will  make  no  pro- 
posal, which  I  shall  not  readily  acquiesce  in.  I  hope,  Sir, 
you  will  do  me  the  favour,  when  you  communicate  this 
answer,  to  thank  the  gentlemen  of  the  vestry  in  my  name, 
for  the  good  opinion  they  have  expressed  of  me,  by  invit- 
ing me  to  the  office  of  an  assistant  minister  among  them, 

15 


170  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

before  my  return  from  England.  In  whatever  situation  it 
may  please  Providence  to  place  me,  it  will  always  be  my 
endeavour  to  cultivate  their  esteem. 

I  am,  reverend  sir,  with  great  respect, 

Your  affectionate  humble  servant, 
November  22d,  1772.  William  White. 

Rev.  Dr.  Peters. 

November  30.  In  a  letter  from  Mr.  White, 
of  this  date,  and  now  laid  before  the  vestry,  he 
expressed  his  readiness  to  "officiate  in  the 
churches,"  and  to  "be  always  satisfied  with 
what  they  can  afford  to  offer  from  their  regu- 
lar funds,  and  not  expect  to  receive  any  part 
of  what  may  be  raised  by  some  new  way." 

"  After  this  letter  was  read,  the  rector  once 
more  set  forth  the  necessity  of  assistants,  and 
the  merits  of  the  twTo  candidates ;  and  for  the 
encouragement  of  the  vestry  in  their  present 
consultation,  he  acquainted  them,  that  in  case 
they  were  elected,  he  would,  during  his  incum- 
bency, give  to  each  of  them  one  hundred  pounds 
per  annum,  so  long  as  they  should  continue  in 
the  service  of  the  vestry.  On  this  offer  of  the 
rector,  the  vestry  then  Resolved,  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Coombe,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  White,  should 
be  assistant  ministers  of  the  united  churches  of 
Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  during  the  plea- 
sure of  the  vestry;  and  they  are  both  accord- 


OP    CHRIST    CHURCH.  171 

ingly  received  and  admitted  as  assistant  minis- 
ters." 

"Resolved,  that  a  salary  of  two  hundred 
pounds  per  annum  shall  be  given  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Coombe,  by  the  churches. 

"  And  whereas  the  vestry  are  sensible  that 
the  same  salary  ought  to  be  allowed  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  White,  yet,  as  he  has  so  generously 
and  earnestly  expressed  his  desire  not  to  re- 
ceive more  than  the  church  funds  can  allow, 
and  will  be  content,  as  they  are  informed,  for 
the  present,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds : 
Resolved,  that  the  annual  sum  of  fifty  pounds 
be  paid  out  of  the  church  funds  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
White,  over  and  above  the  rector's  gift  of  one 
hundred  pounds  per  annum." 

Thus  was  formed  a  connexion  between  these 
united  churches  and  two  young  citizens  of  Phil- 
adelphia ;  which,  in  the  case  of  one  of  them, 
was  to  continue,  with  uninterrupted  harmony, 
through  a  period  of  more  than  three  score 
years.  There  is  a  delightful  satisfaction  in 
looking  back  to  the  auspicious  commencement 
of  Mr.  White's  ministry.  The  promise  of  fu- 
ture usefulness  then  given,  was  more  than  real- 
ized. He,  who  entered  on  the  duties  of  an 
assistant  minister  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's,  some  years  before  the  American  revo- 


172  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

lution,  has  almost  just  now  departed  from  our 
midst ;  beloved,  revered,  venerated  by  all ;  and, 
by  unanimous  consent,  looked  up  to,  as  the 
father  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
these  United  States. 

"  NOMEN  IN  EXEMPLTJM  SERO  SERVABIMUS  JEVO." 

1773. 

November  2.  "  The  church  warden  reported 
the  miserable  state  of  the  windows  in  Christ 
Church,  and  the  great  expense  the  churches 
were  put  to  in  the  repairs ;  that  the  two  win- 
dows at  the  west  end  were  examined,  and  found 
totally  incapable  of  repair;  that  Mr.  Duche 
had  made  a  draught  of  some  sash  windows, 
that  would  answer  the  purpose,  and  be  done  in 
the  cheapest  manner."  Two  sash  windows 
for  the  west  end  of  the  church  were  directed 
to  be  made  without  delay. 

It  appears  that  all  the  windows  of  Christ 
Church  were  at  this  time  made  of  small  panes 
of  glass  set  in  leaden  frames.  It  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that  these  windows  had  not  been 
preserved  until  the  present  time,  to  add  to  the 
antique  beauty  of  this  venerable  edifice. 

1774. 

February  7.     A  committee  having  been  ap- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  173 

pointed  at  a  previous  vestry-meeting,  to  raise 
by  subscription"  the  sum  necessary  to  make 
up  one  of  the  assistant  minister's  salary,  report 
unfavourably  to  this  mode  of  raising  a  support 
for  their  clergymen,  and  recommended,  as  the 
only  effectual  method,  "  the  raising  the  pew 
money  in  both  the  churches." 

"  The  committee  further  reported,  that  there 
was  a  very  general  satisfaction  expressed  at 
the  vestry's  appointment  of  the  two  assistants, 
as  well  as  a  solicitous  concern  that  they  should 
be  retained  and  supported." 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  devise  a  plan 
for  an  equitable  increase  of  the  pew  rents,  and 
to  lay  before  the  vestry  a  statement  of  the  pre- 
sent income  and  expenditure  of  the  churches. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  vestry,  Feb- 
ruary 28th,  this  committee  presented  the  fol- 
lowing statement  of  "  the  church  revenues  and 
expenses,  together  with  the  plan  upon  which 
the  proposed  augmentation  of  the  pew  money 
is  to  take  place." 

"  Present  state  of  the  revenues  and  expenses  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's." 

Average  of  pew  money  for  four  last  years,  £556.  Is.  lOd. 

Ditto      of  box  money  for  ditto.  206.  4        4 

Breaking  ground,  suppose  30.  0        0 


792.  6 

15* 


174  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Amount  carried  over       £792.6  2 
Rent  of  parsonage;  repairs,  taxes,  &c,  de- 
ducted,                                                           60.  0  0 
Rector's  ground  rent,                                         74.  0  0 


£926.  6        2 
Deduct  the  last  two  items  appropriated  to 

the  rector,  134.  0        0 


Amount  of  unappropriated  church  funds, 

£792.  6 

2 

Mr.  Duche  receives 

. 

£350 

Mr.  Coombe 

. 

300 

Mr.  White 

. 

150 

Officers'  salary, 

- 

134 

Annual  repairs, 

icy, 

50 

948.  0 

0 

Annual  deficier 

£191.  13 

10 

To  meet  this  deficiency,  it  was  proposed  to  raise  the 
pew  rents  50  per  cent.,  which  would  yield,  in  both  church- 
es, £229,  of  which  £126.  10s.  were  in  Christ  Church, 
and  £102.  10s.  in  St  Peter's.  The  following  plan  will 
show  the  amount  of  rents  at  that  time,  and  the  proposed 
increase. 

"  CHRIST  CHURCH." 

Adv.  50  per  ct. 
30  pews  in  the  middle  aisle,  at  40s.=£60.        £90. 
33  pews   under   the   gallery,   at  40s.=    66.  99. 

14  pews   in   front   galleries,   at  60s.=    42.  63. 

Governor's  pew  160s.=      8.  12. 

4  pews  of  4  places  at  10s.  j 
Nos.  16,  17,  49,  50  ] 
Nos.  30  and  36,  3  places  each  at  10s.=      3.  4.  10 

22   wall  pews  below  stairs,   at   60s.=    66.  99. 

£253.  379.  10 


at  40s.==      8.  12. 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  175 

£253.         379.   10 
50  per  cent,  advance  on  pews,  126. 10 


£379.  10 


April  4.  Easter  Monday.  The  above  ad- 
vance on  the  pews  was  adopted. 

July  12.  "Resolved,  that  the  king's  birth- 
day should  be  one  of  the  days  included  in  the 
agreement  made  by  the  vestry  with  the  ring- 
ers ;  and  that  they  should  not  for  the  future 
ring  on  King  Charles's  restoration  day." 

"The  vestry  having  considered  the  very 
great  loss  arising  to  the  churches  from  the  sit- 
uation of  the  organ  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
nearly  one  half  of  the  north  gallery  being  on 
that  account  incapable  of  being  let,  it  was  re- 
commended to  the  members  to  procure  a  list 
of  the  subscribers  to  that  organ,  in  order  to 
obtain  their  consent  to  have  it  taken  down  and 
laid  carefully  by,  till  it  should  be  sold." 

November  17.  A  legacy  of  £500.  is  left  by 
Thomas  Turner,  to  the  rector,  &c,  of  the 
united  churches,  "  to  be  by  them  put  out  at 
interest,  and  the  interest  money  arising  there- 
from to  be  from  time  to  time  applied  to  the  use 
and  repair  of  the  said  churches1." 

1775. 

June  15.     "  The  rector  acquainted  the  ves- 


176  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

try  that  the  continental  congress  having  insert- 
ed a  publication  in  this  day's  gazette,  recom- 
mending Thursday  the  20th  day  of  July,  as  a 
day  of  general  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer, 
through  all  the  American  provinces,  requested 
they  would  give  him  their  advice  with  respect 
to  his  own  conduct.  The  vestry  very  readily 
told  him  that  they  knew  the  sense  of  the  con- 
gregations in  this  matter,  and  assured  him  it 
would  be  universally  expected  by  them  that  he 
should  comply  with  the  recommendation;  and 
that  if  he  did  not,  it  would  give  great  offence ; 
and  as  this  was  the  unanimous  opinion  of  the 
vestry,  he  declared  his  own  sense  of  the  mat- 
ter, and  told  them  that  the  churches  should  be 
opened  on  that  day,  and  divine  service  per- 
formed, and  that  there  should  be  proper 
prayers  and  services,  suitable  to  such  a  solemn 
humiliation,  and  notices  should  be  given  there- 
of in  both  churches  next  Sunday." 

On  the  day  appointed,  the  members  of  the 
continental  congress  assembled  in  Christ 
Church,  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche  preached 
before  them  an  appropriate  sermon,  entitled 
"  The  American  Vine ;"  from  Psalm  80th,  verse 
14th.  This  sermon  was  printed  the  same  year, 
and  may  be  found  in  the  Loganian  library, 
together   with  another  sermon   by   the  same 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  177 

Rev.  author,  preached  July  7th,  1775,  breath- 
ing the  same  spirit,  and  entitled  "  The  duty  of 
standing  fast  in  our  spiritual  and  temporal  lib- 
erties." 

September  23.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Peters  this 
day  resigned  his  rectorship  of  the  united 
churches,  in  consequence  of  bodily  infirmities, 
having  held  the  office  thirteen  years ;  with  how 
much  usefulness  and  acceptance  will  appear 
from  the  following  address  to  the  vestry,  on 
accepting  his  resignation. 
Reverend  Sir, 

Permit  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen 
of  the  united  Episcopal  churches  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, in  vestry  met,  to  take  leave  of  you  in  the 
most  affectionate  manner,  and  to  assure  you 
with  great  sincerity,  that  we  shall  ever  recol- 
lect with  pleasure  the  happy  union  and  peace 
that  prevailed  in  the  congregation  during  your 
rectorship.  We  thank  you,  sir,  for .  the  pious 
zeal  you  have  ever  exercised  in  your  ministry 
to  these  churches,  and  gratefully  acknowledge 
your  distinguished  liberality  to  them  upon  all 
occasions.  We  very  much  regret  your  loss  of 
health,  which  induces  you  to  resign  your  charge 
as  rector,  and  take  the  liberty  to  assure  you, 


178  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

that  our  warmest  wishes  for  your  health  and 
happiness  will  ever  attend  you." 

To  this  the  doctor  replied  in  a  brief  address, 
thanking  them  "  for  the  affectionate  manner  in 
which  they  were  pleased  to  take  leave  of  him," 
and  assuring  them  "  that  he  should  retain  as 
kind  and  as  cordial  a  love  for,  and  regard  to 
them,  as  if  he  was  still  their  rector;  and 
should  be  glad  of  every  opportunity  to  show 
the  reality  of  his  affection  for  them."  On  the 
day  following,  which  was  Sunday,  24th,  he 
took  leave  of  the  two  congregations. 

September  25.  Upon  the  resignation  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Peters,  the  Rev.  Jacob  Duche,  the 
senior  assistant  minister,  was  unanimously 
chosen  rector ;  and  it  is  a  fact  worthy  of  re- 
cord, that  the  rector  and  both  assistants,  Mr. 
Coombe  and  Mr.  White,  were  all  natives  of 
Philadelphia.  It  is  not  often  that  prophets  are 
so  highly  honoured  in  their  own  country. 

October  30.  A  letter  was  drawn  up  and 
signed  by  the  wardens  and  vestrymen,  recom- 
mending Mr.  Duche  to  the  bishop  of  London ; 
and  is  as  follows  : 

"  To  the  right  reverend  father  in  God,  Richard,  by  divine 

permission  lord  bishop  of  London. 
May  it  please  your  lordship, 

We,  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the  united 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  179 

churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  in  vestry  met,  beg  leave  to  inform  your  lord- 
ship that  the  Rev.  Richard  Peters,  D.  D.,  our  late  worthy 
rector,  after  many  years  faithful  and  approved  service, 
finding  the  charge  of  the  said  united  churches  too  heavy  a 
burden,  on  account  of  his  bodily  infirmities,  hath  volunta- 
tarily  resigned  his  rectorship  into  our  hands,  and  that,  in 
consequence  thereof,  we  have  unanimously  elected  the 
Rev.  Jacob  Duche,  A.  M.,  to  be  the  rector  of  the  said  united 
churches.  We  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  lordship,  that 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche  is  a  native  of  this  city,  and  known  to 
most  of  us  from  his  childhood,  that  he  has  officiated  under 
a  license  from  your  lordship's  predecessor,  as  an  assistant 
minister  in  our  said  churches,  during  the  space  of  upwards 
of  sixteen  years ;  in  which  he  has  deservedly  met  with 
universal  approbation.  From  the  unblemished  character 
he  has  hitherto  supported  through  life,  from  his  exemplary 
conduct,  zeal,  piety  and  learning,  we  presume  to  recom- 
mend him  in  the  warmest  manner  to  your  lordship,  and 
flatter  ourselves  that  our  choice  will  meet  with  your  lord- 
ship's approbation,  being  firmly  persuaded  that  his  best 
endeavours  will  ever  be  exerted  for  the  maintenance  of 
unanimity  and  concord  in  the  churches,  and  the  advancement 
of  true  religion  and  virtue.  We  therefore  humbly  hope,  that 
your  lordship  will  be  pleased  to  take  this  address  into  your 
consideration,  and  to  return  a  favourable  answer  to  our 
unanimous  request  in  his  behalf. 

Ever  praying,  &c,  &c. 
Philadelphia,  October  30,  1775." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Duche  having  been  officially 
informed  of  his  election,  addressed  the  vestry 
as  follows  : 


180  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

"  Gentlemen, 

I  beg  leave  to  return  you  my  sincere  thanks 
and  acknowledgments  for  the  honour  you  have 
done  me,  by  electing  me  to  the  rectorship  of 
your  united  churches.  I  consider  it  as  the 
highest  and  most  affectionate  testimony  you 
could  give  of  your  approbation  of  my  past  ser- 
vices ;  and  I  hope  my  future  conduct  will  ever 
be  such  as  may  justify  your  choice.  My  change 
of  station,  I  trust,  will  have  no  other  effect  upon 
me,  than  to  increase  my  zeal  for  the  spiritual 
and  temporal  welfare  of  the  congregations 
which  you  represent.  It  shall  be  my  constant 
endeavour,  under  the  blessing  of  heaven,  to 
preserve  the  same  peace  and  harmony  in  our 
churches,  which  they  happily  enjoyed  under  my 
truly  pious  and  worthy  predecessor." 

1776. 

May  17.  Friday.  The  continental  congress 
having  recommended  this  as  a  day  of  general 
humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer,  through  all  the 
American  provinces,  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's  were  opened  for  divine  service,  and  ser- 
mons were  preached,  suitable  to  the  occasion. 
-  July  4.  A  vestry  meeting  was  held  on  this 
memorable  day,  the  minutes  of  which  we  give 
entire. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  181 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  at  the  Rectors, 
July  4,  1776. 

Present,  Rev.  Jacob  Duche ,  rector. 

Thomas  Cuthbert,  church  warden;  Jacob 
Duche,  Robert  Whyte,  Charles  Stedman,  Ed- 
mund Physick,  James  Biddle,  Peter  De  Haven, 
James  Reynolds,  Gerardus  Clarkson,  vestry- 
men. 

Whereas  the  honourable  continental  con- 
gress have  resolved  to  declare  the  American 
colonies  to  be  free  and  independent  states  ;  in 
consequence  of  which  it  will  be  proper  to  omit 
those  petitions  in  the  liturgy  wherein  the  king 
of  Great  Britain  is  prayed  for,  as  inconsistent 
with  the  said  declaration,  Therefore,  resolved, 
that  it  appears  to  this  vestry  to  be  necessary, 
for  the  peace  and  well  being  of  the  churches,  to 
omit  the  said  petitions ;  and  the  rector  and 
assistant  ministers  of  the  united  churches  are 
requested  in  the  name  of  the  vestry  and  their 
constituents,  to  omit  such  petitions  as  are  above 
mentioned." 

.  1777. 

April  3.  Thursday.  This  day  was  appoint- 
ed by  congress  for  national  humiliation,  fasting 
and  prayer,  when  the  churches  were  opened  for 
divine  service. 

16 


182  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

April  17.  From  a  statement  laid  before  the 
vestry,  it  appeared  that  the  salaries  of  the  rec- 
tor and  two  assistants  was  only  £800.,  of  which 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche,  rector,  received  £300., 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Coombe  £350.  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
White  £150.  In  reference  to  which  they  say, 
that  these  sums  to  the  assistants  were  "  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  church  funds,  at  the  particular 
request  of  the  rector,  and  with  his  cheerful 
concurrence."  "  The  vestry  at  the  same  time 
expressed  the  high  sense  they  entertain  of  the 
merit  and  abilities  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  White,  and 
sincerely  wish  the  church  funds  would  enable 
them  to  place  him  on  a  more  equitable  footing ; 
but  as  they  have  it  not  at  present  in  their  pow- 
er, and  well  knowing  that  Mr.  White  will  kindly 
accept  whatever  they  can  propose,  though  very 
inadequate  to  his  services,  they  have  voted  the 
above  sum,  being  all  they  can  offer  consistent 
with  Mr.  White's  repeated  requests  not  to  be- 
come a  charge  or  burden  to  the  church." 

June  9.  Christ  Church  steeple  was  struck 
by  lightning,  and  "  the  electric  rod  and  con- 
ductor were  thereby  rendered  totally  useless." 
A  committee  was  appointed  "to  procure  a 
complete  rod  and  conductor  to  be  put  up  in 
place  of  that  which  has  been  damaged." 

September   6.     The  Rev.    Mr.   Coombe   is 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  183 

arrested  and  confined,  by  order  of  the  presi- 
dent and  council  of  Pennsylvania,  on  "  the  gen- 
eral charge  of  having  evinced  a  disposition 
inimical  to  the  cause  of  America."  An  appeal 
is  made  in  his  behalf  to  the  supreme  executive 
council,  by  the  rector,  warden,  and  vestrymen, 
in  which  they  earnestly  request  "  that  Mr. 
Coombe  may  be  admitted,  as  his  undoubted 
birthright,  to  a  hearing,  in  the  face  of  his  coun- 
try." The  council,  through  their  vice  president, 
George  Bryan,  reply,  that  "  Mr.  Coombe's  case 
is  wholly  political;"  that,  before  this  address 
from  the  vestry,  "  the  council  had  determined 
to  send  away  Mr.  Coombe,  and  the  rest  of  the 
prisoners,  and  that  his  connexion  with  their 
congregations  could  be  no  argument  in  his  be- 
half." 

September  16.  "  The  rector  informed  the 
vestry,  that  the  clerk  and  sexton  had  called 
upon  him  yesterday  morning  to  acquaint  him 
that  several  persons  had  got  into  the  steeple  of 
Christ  Church,  and  were  preparing  to  take 
down  the  bells  ;"  that  they  were  acting  under 
an  order  "  from  the  present  executive  council 
of  Pennsylvania,  signed  by  Timothy  Matlack, 
their  secretary."  "  The  rector  further  acquaint- 
ed them,  that  having  understood  from  Mr. 
Charles  Thompson,  that  the  order  had  been 


184  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

issued  in  consequence  of  a  recommendation  of 
congress,  he  went  up  immediately  to  the  state 
house,  and  meeting  with  Mr.  Penn  and  several 
members  of  congress,  he  represented  to  them 
the  great  risk  that  would  attend  the  taking 
down  the  bells,  the  improbability  of  ever  meet- 
ing with  a  person  capable  of  putting  them  up 
again,  and  further  told  them  that,  if  they  meant 
only  the  security  of  the  bells  by  removing  them, 
he  was  confident  they  were  in  no  danger,  and 
concluded  with  requesting  them  to  move  in 
congress,  that  Christ  Church  bells,  for  the  rea- 
sons above  mentioned,  should  be  excepted  from 
the  general  order  ;  that  Mr.  Penn  and  several 
others  had  approved  of  what  he  said,  and  pro- 
mised to  make  such  a  motion ;  that  in  the  mean 
while  he  had  requested  Col.  Flower,  who  had 
the  charge  of  seeing  the  order  of  Congress  exe- 
cuted, to  delay  the  same  till  he  had  received 
an  answer  from  Mr.  Penn,  who  had  promised 
him  that  he  would  do  so  ;  that  Mr.  Penn  had 
called  upon  him  this  morning  and  promised  to 
let  him  have  an  answer  about  noon."  An  an- 
swer was  received  from  Mr.  John  Penn,  stating 
that  "  the  congress  only  having  recommended 
the  taking  down  the  bells  in  the  different 
churches,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  should  they  get  possession  of  this 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  185 

city,  the  assembly  of  this  state  are  to  judge  of 
tl^e  propriety  of  the  recommendation,  and  no 
doubt  will  postpone  the  carrying  the  measure 
into  execution  with  regard  to  the  bells  in  Christ 
Church,  until  there  is  a  greater  probability  of 
General  Howe's  getting  here." 

A  committee  of  vestry  was  appointed  to 
wait  on  the  president  of  the  council,  and  remon- 
strate against  the  removal  of  the  bells. 

November  6.  "  The  rector  informed  the 
vestry  that  notwithstanding  the  application 
which  had  been  made  to  the  state  president  and 
council,  respecting  Christ  Church  bells,  the 
commissary  general  had  taken  down  and  car- 
ried away  seven  of  the  said  bells,  and  likewise 
the  two  bells  from  St.  Peter's  Church." 

December  9.  "  The  rector  informed  the 
vestry,  that  upon  a  due  consideration  of  the 
present  state  of  affairs,  and  his  own  situation  in 
particular,  he  had  come  to  a  resolution,  with 
the  permission  of  vestry,  of  going  to  England  ; 
as  he  apprehended  he  could  more  fully  answer 
any  objections  the  bishop  of  London  might 
have  to  his  conduct,  and  more  easily  remove 
the  prejudices  he  has  reason  to  think  the  bishop 
has  imbibed  against  him.*     The  rector  assured 

*  These  "  prejudices"  which  the  bishop  of  London  is  supposed  to 
have  imbibed  against  Mr.  Duche,  probably  arose  from  a  sermon  of  Mr. 

16* 


186  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  vestry,  that  Mr.  Coombe  had  promised  to 
do  all  in  his  power  for  the  service  of  the  church- 
es, in  which  he  would  be  assisted  by  the  gen- 
tlemen who  are  chaplains  in  the  regiments  now 
stationed  here ;  and  that  as  soon  as  he  has  set- 
tled his  affairs,  and  could  with  safety,  he  would 
cheerfully  return  to  the  care  of  his  churches." 
"  The  vestry  being  fully  convinced  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  the  above  measure,  gave  their  cheer- 
ful consent  to  the  rector's  request,"  and  ad- 
dressed to  him  the  following  affectionate  letter. 

"  Sir, 

We,  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of 

Duche's,  preached  July  7th,  1775,  entitled  "  The  duty  of  standing  fast 
in  our  spiritual  and  temporal  liberties." 

Dr.  Smith,  the  provost  of  the  college  of  Philadelphia,  had  preached  a 
sermon,  June  25,  1775,  twelve  days  before  Mr.  Duche's,  "  On  the  pre- 
sent  situation  of  American  affairs,"  which  became  an  object  of  conside- 
rable notice  and  controversy,  of  praise  and  censure,  in  Great  Britain,  as 
well  as  in  America,  according  to  the  different  principles  of  its  readers. 
It  ran  through  several  American  editions  in  a  few  weeks.  Ten  thou- 
sand copies  were  printed  in  London  in  a  cheap  form,  and  several  editions 
were  published  in  Bristol,  and  elsewhere  in  England  and  Ireland.  Both 
these  sermons  breathed  the  warmest  patriotism,  and  zeal  for  the  Amer- 
ican cause.  Dr.  Smith  says,  that  "the  first  mark  of  displeasure" 
which  he  received  on  account  of  his  sermon,  "  was  from  governor 
Tryon  at  New  York,  who  told  him  that  he  had  considered  it  as  his  duty 
to  transmit  a  copy  of  it  to  the  bishop  of  London,  as  well  as  a  copy  of  Mr. 
Duche's  sermon.  Governor  Tryon  added,"  says  Dr.  Smith,  "that  he 
did  not  doubt  but  that  the  bishop  would  soon  signify  his  highest  disap- 
probation, and  severe  censure  of  both  Mr.  Duche  and  myself."  Smith's 
Works,  vol.  ii.  p.  253. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  187 

the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's,  in  vestry  met,  beg  leave  to  offer  our 
most  affectionate  wishes  for  your  safe  arrival 
in  England.  The  long  and  intimate  affection 
that  has  subsisted  between  us,  makes  us  regard 
your  separation  from  us  with  concern,  and  la- 
ment the  unhappy  occasion  that  calls  you  from 
the  care  of  those  churches,  in  which  you  have 
officiated  with  so  much  satisfaction  to  the 
united  congregations.  Our  sincere  prayers  for 
your  welfare,  and  speedy  return  to  your  native 
city  and  the  charge  of  the  united  churches, 
with  the  approbation  of  your  spiritual  superiors, 
which  we  doubt  not  you  will  meet  with,  upon  a 
proper  representation  of  your  conduct,  will  ever 
attend  you. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  vestry, 

James  Reynolds, 

Church  warden. 
Philadelphia,  Dec.  9,  1777." 

As  Mr.  Duche  never  again  had  charge  of  the 
churches,  although  he  returned  to  this  country 
and  died  here,  in  1798,  this  seems  to  be  the 
appropriate  place  for  introducing  some  inter- 
esting notices  of  him,  from  bishop  White's  "  Or- 
dination offices."  On  the  subject  of  delivering 
sermons   from  memory,   the   bishop  remarks, 


188  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

"  The  only  clergyman  here  known  to  have  de- 
rived advantage  from  it,  adequate  to  the  pains 
taken,  was  the  late  Rev.  Jacob  Duche,  of  the 
city  of  Philadelphia.  When  he  began  his  min- 
istry in  Christ  Church  of  that  city,  his  voice, 
his  pronunciation,  and  his  action,  were  imme- 
diately subjects  of  great  commendation  ;  but  he 
had  the  disadvantage  of  nearness  of  sight.  In 
a  short  time,  however,  he  was  observed  to  lay 
by,  almost  entirely,  the  help  of  his  manuscript ; 
his  notice  of  which,  when  it  happened,  became 
visible  to  the  congregation,  as  he  had  to  bring 
his  face  very  near  to  the  cushion  on  which  his 
sermon  lay.  This  amiable  gentleman  had  a 
very  extraordinary  talent  for  that  particular 
exercise  of  the  memory,  to  which  he  was  thus 
incited.  There  are  many  still  living,  who 
know  with  what  ease  he  prepared  himselfx  in 
this  department.  And  he  has  been  often  heard 
to  acknowledge,  that  it  would  have  been  gen- 
erally impossible  for  him,  a  few  days  after  the 
delivery  of  a  sermon,  to  have  recited  a  single 
paragraph  of  its  contents.  Certain  it  is,  that 
he  manifested  no  signs  in  the  pulpit  of  his  being 
there  puzzled  in  the  work  of  recollection.  And 
this  circumstance,  added  to  what  has  been  said 
of  his  voice,  and  the  praise  due  to  the  correct- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  189 


ness  of  his  action,  made  his  delivery  exceeding- 
ly pleasing."* 

On  the  subject  of  reading  the  service,  after 
mentioning  Whitefield  as  the  best  reader  he 
had  ever  heard,  Bishop  White  says,  "  The 
next  best  reader  of  the  prayers,  within  the 
sphere  of  the  acquaintance  of  the  present 
writer,  was  a  gentleman  already  mentioned, 
under  the  head  of  preaching,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Duche.  He  was  perhaps  not  inferior  to  Mr. 
Whitefield  in  the  correctness  of  his  pronunci- 
ation. His  voice  was  remarkably  sweet; 
although  short  of  the  voice  of  the  other  gentle- 
man in  the  compass  of  its  powers,  and  especi- 
ally in  modulation.  Mr.  Duche  was  frequently 
oratorical  in  his  sermons,  but  never  so  in  the 
reading  of  the  prayers  ;  although  always  read 
by  him  with  signs  of  unaffected  seriousness  and 
devotion."  t 

We  cannot  better  close  this  brief  notice  of 
this  excellent  man,  than  by  the  following  beau- 
tiful tribute  from  the  same  pen.  In  Bishop 
White's  memoirs,  speaking  of  his  consecration 
in  1787,  nine  years  after  Mr.  Duche's  return 
to  England,  he  says,  "The  consecration  was 
performed  in  the  chapel  of  the  palace  of  the 

*  Bishop  White  on  tlte  Ordination  Offices,  p.  169. 
+  Ibid.  p.  183. 


190  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

archbishop,  in  the  presence  of  his  family  and 
his  household,  and  very  few  others;  among 
whom  was  my  old  friend  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche. 
I  had  asked  the  archbishop's  leave  to  introduce 
him ;  and  it  was  a  great  satisfaction  to  me 
that  he  was  there  ;  the  recollection  of  the  ben- 
efit which  I  had  received  from  his  instructions 
in  early  life,  and  a  tender  sense  of  the  atten- 
tions which  he  had  shown  me  almost  from  my 
infancy,  together  with  the  impression  left  by 
the  harmony  which  had  subsisted  between  us 
in  the  discharge  of  our  joint  pastoral  duty  in 
Philadelphia,  being  no  improper  accompani- 
ments to  the  feelings  suited  to  the  present  very 
interesting  transaction  of  my  life."* 

1778. 

January  29.  The  British  general,  Pattison, 
directed  the  post  and  board  fence  around  St.  Pe- 
ter's Church-yard,  to  be  taken  down  for  the  use 
of  his  majesty's  troops,  then  in  Philadelphia. 
The  church  warden  immediately  called  on  the 
general,  and  respectfully  requested  that  the 
fence  might  be  permitted  to  remain  ;  "  but  was 
told  by  the  general  that  the  vestry  were  con- 
sidered as  obstructing  his  majesty's  service  ; 
that  it  was   vain   to  multiply  words,   as   the 

*  Memoirs,  p.  137. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  191 

workmen  were  now  taking  down  the  fence." 
It  was  accordingly  taken  down  and  carried 
away  ;  with  a  promise,  on  his  part,  that  it 
should  be  paid  for.  This  promise,  it  appears 
by  a  subsequent  record  of  the  vestry,  was  not 
fulfilled ;  "  the  general  refusing  to  pay  any 
thing,  having,  as  he  said,  taken  the  fence  under 
the  orders  of  the  commander-in-chief." 

May  26.  Mrs.  Margaret  Kearsley,  widow 
of  Dr.  John  Kearsley,  died  this  day;  and 
by  her  death,  the  corporation  of  the  united 
churches  became  possessed  of  the  property  be- 
queathed in  trust  to  them,  by  her  late  husband, 
for  the  benefit  of  Christ  Church  Hospital. 

July  7.  The  church  warden  laid  before  the 
vestry  the  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Coombe. 

Gentlemen, 

I  have  given  you  the  trouble  of  this  meeting,  to  inform 
you  of  my  having  applied  for,  and  obtained,  leave  from 
the  council  to  proceed  within  the  British  lines  at  New 
York,  and  from  thence  to  England.  The  step  I  have 
taken,  is  to  me  a  most  important  one,  including  a  great 
variety  of  affecting  circumstances ;  and  therefore  it  was 
not  entered  upon  without  some  heartaches,  and  many  a  sor- 
rowful anticipation.  To  go  into  voluntary  banishment 
from  my  native  city,  where  it  was  ever  my  first  pride  to 
be  a  clergyman ;  to  quit  a  decent  competency  among  a 
people  whom  I  affectionately  respect  and  love,  and  launch 


192  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

out  upon  the  ocean  of  the  world,  unknowing  what  shelter 
may  hereafter  be  afforded  me,  is  a  hard  trial  for  nature. 
By  the  uncandid,  my  determination  will  be  censured,  as 
precipitate  ;  and  even  persons  disposed  to  form  the  most 
favourable  judgment,  will  find  it  difficult  to  justify  a  con- 
duct so  different  from  their  own. 

Thus  situated,  I  have  only  the  integrity  of  my  own 
heart  to  support  me.  Having  examined  the  subject  in 
every  point  of  view  that  I  was  capable  of  placing  it,  hav- 
ing read  such  books,  and  conferred  with  such  wise  and 
good  men,  as  I  thought  might  throw  light  upon  the  subject, 
I  found  that  I  could  not  take  the  oath  to  the  new  govern- 
ment, without  the  saddest  violation  of  my  own  peace  of 
mind.  To  have  taken  this  oath,  while  under  the  smallest 
doubt  concerning  its  lawfulness,  might  prove  a  source  of 
much  future  anxiety  to  a  retrospective  temper;  but  to 
have  done  so,  under  the  full  conviction  of  its  repugnancy 
to  prior  obligations,  would  have  been  the  most  criminal 
duplicity. 

I  have  for  some  time  had  the  present  event  in  prospect, 
but  was  determined  to  tread  with  caution  ;  accordingly  I 
remained  in  town  after  the  departure  of  the  king's  army, 
to  give  myself  the  further  chance  of  continuing  in  my  liv- 
ing, if  it  were  to  be  done  consistently  with  my  principles  ; 
or  if  Great  Britain  had  judged  it  proper  to  subscribe  to 
the  independence  of  America,  my  path  would  have  been 
plain. 

But  since  the  sovereign  still  keeps  up  his  claim  of  right 
upon  this  country,  and  every  inhabitant  is  called  upon  by  the 
late  test  law  to  renounce  all  allegiance  to  him,  I  had  only  to 
choose  between  my  duty  and  my  interest.  Through  what 
vicissitudes  I  am  to  pass,  in  consequence  of  the  part  I  have 
resolved  upon,  He  only  knoweth  who  is  the  Providential 
ruler  of  the  world.  When  I  consider  my  little  family  whom  I 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  193 

leave  behind,  and  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered  in 
providing  them  a  heritage  in  a  distant  country,  many  pain- 
ful ideas  crowd  into  my  bosom.  Gracious  God,  who  art 
the  guardian  of  the  innocent,  to  thee  I  commit  them! 

In  following  what  I  believe  to  be  the  clear  light  of  duty, 
I  trust  I  shall  not  want  his  blessing  ;  and  whilst  I  encou- 
rage the  hope  that  a  door  will  be  opened  to  me  in  some 
more  hospitable  region,  I  shall  labour  to  prepare  my  mind 
for  the  humblest  dispensations. 

As  to  you,  gentlemen,  and  the  congregations  you  repre- 
sent, every  thing  that  is  due  from  a  minister  to  a  generous 
and  worthy  people,  belongs  to  you.  Accept  my  poor 
thanks  for  all  your  kindness.  You,  I  know,  will  do  me  the 
justice  to  believe,  that  nothing  but  a  conviction  of  my 
higher  obligations  could  have  induced  me  to  quit  a  charge 
from  which  I  have  received  such  liberal  encouragement. 
I  recommend  you,  and  all  my  dear  connections,  to  the  pro- 
tection of  the  best  of  Masters.  Daily  and  fervently  shall 
my  prayers  ascend  to  him  for  your  temporal  and  eternal 
happiness. 

He  hath  told  us,  that  in  the  world  we  shall  have  tribula- 
tion ;  but  bids  us  be  of  good  cheer,  for  that  he  hath  over- 
come the  world.  Finally,  brethren,  farewell,  live  in  peace, 
and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  be  with  you. 
I  am, 

Most  affectionately  yours, 

Th.  Coombe. 
July  7th,  1778. 

To  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church 

and  St.  Peter's. 

After  the  above  letter  had  been  read,  it  was 
a  Resolved,  that  the  church  wardens  be  a  com- 
mittee to  draw  up  a  letter  to  the  lord  bishop 

17 


194  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

of  London,  informing  him  of  Mr.  Coombe's 
reasons  for  retiring  from  these  churches ;  and 
assuring  his  lordship  of  their  full  approbation 
of  Mr.  Coombe's  conduct  as  a  minister  while 
he  officiated  in  them." 

October  22.  "  The  church  wardens  inform- 
ed the  vestry,  that  the  bells  belonging  to  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's  had  been  returned  by 
Col.  Flower,  (for  which  he  had  given  his  re- 
ceipt) and  that  they  had  been  replaced  at  the 
public  expense." 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Coombe  having  for  reasons 
which  he  has  given,  resigned  his  charge  as 
assistant  minister  of  the  united  churches,  the 
vestry  resolved,  that  the  annual  sram  of  £350. 
being  the  sum  heretofore  paid  Mr.  Coombe,  be 
in  future  paid  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  White  ;  to  com- 
mence from  the  25th  day  of  September  last." 

Mr.  White  had  now  the  sole  charge  of  both 
the  churches ;  as  there  was  no  other  Episco- 
pal clergyman  in  the  city. 

1779. 

April  15.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  at 
the  parsonage  house,  held  this  day,  present, 
both  wardens  and  fourteen  vestrymen,  "the 
Rev.  William  White  is  unanimously  elected 
rector  of  the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  195 

and  St.  Peter's."  The  church  wardens  being 
appointed  a  committee  to  wait  on  Mr.  White, 
to  inform  him  of  his  election,  and  to  request 
his  acceptance  of  the  rectorship,  received  from 
him  the  following  answer. 

Gentlemen, 

Your  appointment  of  me  to  the  rector- 
ship of  the  churches  you  represent,  is  the  most 
honourable  testimony  my  past  ministry  among 
you  can  receive;  except  that  which,  with  humble 
hope  I  aspire  tp,  from  our  Redeemer  and  Judge. 
I  accept  it,  therefore,  with  the  full  confidence, 
that  the  same  candor  and  affection  which  you 
have  hitherto  manifested  to  me  as  your  assist- 
ant minister,  will  be  continued  to  me  in  this 
more  distinguished  and  difficult  station.  At 
the  same  time  be  assured,  gentlemen,  that  I 
shall  always  esteem  the  honour  you  have  this 
day  conferred  on  me,  an  addition  to  my  many 
obligations  to  conduct  myself  in  such  a  man- 
ner, as  to  receive  your  approbation,  and  satisfy 
my  own  conscience. 

I  beg  leave  further,  to  accompany  my  ac- 
ceptance of  the  rectorship,  with  the  declara- 
tion, that  if  ever,  at  the  desire  of  the  vestry, 
and  members  in  general,  of  these  churches,  and 
with  the  permission  of  the  civil  authority,  the 
former  rector  should  return  to  this  country,  I 


196  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

shall  esteem  it  my  duty,  and  it  will  be  my  plea- 
sure, to  resign  it.  The  peculiar  delicacy  of 
my  situation  will  excuse  the  liberty  I  am  taking, 
when  I  make  my  earnest  request  to  the  vestry, 
that  this  letter  be  recorded  with  their  minutes. 
With  my  best  wishes  and  prayers  for  your- 
selves, gentlemen,  and  the  churches  you  repre- 
sent, I  am, 

Your  much  obliged  and  very  affectionate 
Humble  servant, 

William  White. 
Phila.,  April  15th,  1779. 

To  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the 
united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's  Church. 

December  9.  Congress  recommended  this 
day  to  be  observed  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving ; 
and  accordingly  there  are  religious  services  in 
both  the  churches. 

By  an  act  of  the  assembly,  the  "  senior  min- 
ister of  the  Episcopal  churches  in  Philadel- 
phia, has  a  right  to  a  seat  as  trustee  of  the 
University  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania." 

1780. 

April  3.  "  The  vestry  unanimously  agreed 
to  pay  the  rector  a   salary  of  four   hundred 


OF    CHRIST     CHURCH.  197 

pounds,  for  the  ensuing  year ;  and  in  consider- 
ation of  his  past  services,  and  the  insufficiency 
of  the  money  heretofore  allowed  him,  do  agree 
to  pay  him  the  additional  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds ;  both  sums  to  be  paid  in  specie,  or  the 
value  thereof. 

1781. 

March  26.  It  has  been  before  mentioned, 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Coombe  resigned  his  charge 
as  assistant  minister  of  the  united  churches, 
and  went  to  England  in  July  1778,  thus  leaving 
to  the  Rev.  Mr.  White  the  sole  care  of  both 
churches.  He  seems  to  have  been  the  only 
minister,  from  the  time  Mr.  Coombe  left,  up  to 
this  date;  a  period  of  nearly  three  years. 
"  The  vestry,"  at  a  meeting  held  this  day, 
"  taking  into  consideration  the  necessity  of 
having  divine  service  performed  in  both 
churches  on  Sundays  in  the  forenoon  and  af- 
ternoon," propose  engaging  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Blackwell,  who  resided  near  the  city,  "  to  assist 
the  rector  in  this  duty ;"  and  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  confer  with  Mr.  Blackwell,  and  to 
offer  him  a  salary,  w  not  exceeding  £150.  spe- 
cie, or  the  exchange  per  annum."  He  accepts 
the  appointment. 

September  19.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Blackwell 
17* 


198  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

"having  assisted  Mr.  White  tor  some  time 
past  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  congregation  and 
vestry,"  the  vestry  elect  him  tiie  assistant  min- 
ister of  the  united  churches,  with  a  salary  of 
£350.  per  year. 

1782. 

February  14.  "The  churchwarden  is  or- 
dered to  make  two  pews  of  that  called  the 
governor's  pew,  and  let  them  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible." 

"  The  committee  appointed  to  provide  stoves 
for  both  churches,  report,  that  they  have  fitted 
up  two  stoves  in  each  church,  with  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  pipe,  &c." 

March  28.  "  It  is  unanimously  resolved, 
that  as  Mr.  Curtz  has  acted  as  organist  to  the 
churches  for  several  years,  gratis,  Mr.  John 
David  is  requested  to  make  a  genteel  quart 
silver  tankard,  to  be  presented  to  him  from  the 
congregations  of  the  united  churches." 

June  4.  The  vestry  direct  that  "  an  orches- 
tra be  erected  in  front  of  the  gallery,  where 
the  organ  stands,  in  Christ  Church,  for  the  con- 
venience of  a  number  of  singers ;  provided  it 
can  be  done  genteelly,  and  the  expense  not  ex- 
ceed thirty  pounds."     This  was   accordingly 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  199 

done,  and   the   work   was   finished   in  a  few 
weeks. 

"  It  being  represented  to  the  vestry  that  many 
pews  lay  vacant  in  the  north  gallery  in  St. 
Peter's  church,  owing  to  the  present  situation 
of  the  organ,  and  that  a  number  of  pews  might 
be  made  where  the  organ  now  stands,"  a  com- 
mittee is  appointed  to  examine  and  report  on 
the  same.  At  a  subsequent  meeting,  the 
committee  report  "  that  they  are  of  opinion 
that  the  organ  in  St.  Peter's  Church  would  be 
much  better  situated  by  being  placed  at  the 
west  end  of  the  church,  in  a  gallery  to  be  erect- 
ed for  that  purpose  ;  that  the  pulpit,  reading- 
desk,  &c,  at  present  at  the  west  end,  to  be 
removed  to  the  east  end  of  the  church,  and 
that  they  computed  the  expense  to  be  about 
two  hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds." 

1783. 

August  7.  Mrs.  Duche  leaves  a  legacy  of 
£50.  to  Christ  Church.  The  church  warden 
reported  that  he  had  received  the  same  from 
Mr.  Duche,  who  expects  the  vestry  will  put 
four  new  windows  in  the  south  side  of  said 
church,  agreeably  to  a  plan  furnished  by  him. 

December  23.  "  Mr.  Pollard  reported,  that 
the  windows  in  Christ  Church  are  in  very  bad 


200  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

order,  and  cannot  be  repaired,  and  proposed 
that  three  new  windows,  be  put  in  on  the  north 
side  down  stairs,  and  the  old  windows  appro- 
priated to  repair  the  windows  up  stairs."  The 
church  warden  is  authorized  to  procure  curtains 
for  the  south  windows  of  Christ  Church. 

1784. 

April  30.  A  subscription  paper  is  drawn 
up  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  "  to  build  a 
brick  wall  around  St.  Peter's  Church  burial 
ground,  and  to  put  new  windows  in  the  upper 
story  of  Christ  Church."  It  was  probably  at 
this  time  that  the  first  windows,  which  were 
of  small  panes  of  glass  set  in  lead,  were  remov- 
ed to  give  place  to  the  present  windows. 

May  24.  A  convention  of  clerical  and  lay 
deputies  from  the  church  in  Pennsylvania,  was 
this  day  held  in  Christ  Church,  in  order  to  take 
some  preparatory  steps  towards  a  -general  or- 
ganization of  the  Episcopal  church.  "The 
steps  leading  to  this  convention  were  originated 
by  Dr.  White,  in  the  vestry  of  the  churches 
under  his  parochial  care."*  Certain  funda- 
mental principles  of  an  ecclesiastical  consti- 
tution were  at  this  time  agreed  upon,  which 

*  White's  Memoirs  of  the  Prot.  Epis.  Church,  p.  84. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  201 

may  be  found  in  Bishop  White's  memoirs  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  page  84. 

July  29.  The  committee  appointed  by  ves- 
try for  the  management  of  Christ  Church  Hos- 
pital, report ;  "  that  the  house  made  use  of  as  an 
hospital  is  a  small  old  building  two-stories  high, 
and  much  out  of  repair ;"  that  eight  pensioners 
are  lodged  within  this  building,  and  that  twelve 
others  are  boarded  out,  at  the  expense  of  the 
institution ;  that  the  whole  expense  for  the 
twenty  pensioners  is  £432.,  which  would  not 
be  so  great,  if  a  suitable  building  were  erected 
for  their  accommodation. 

October  27.  "The  vestry  being  informed 
that  many  persons  wish  to  see  an  academy  in- 
stituted in  connexion  with  these  churches," 
appointed  a  committee,  who,  at  a  subsequent 
meeting,  November  8th,  made  the  following 
report : 

"  The  committee  appointed  at  the  last  meet- 
ing of  vestry,  report ;  that  the  design  of  insti- 
tuting an  academy  of  the  protestant  Episcopal 
church  in  this  city,  is  in  their  opinion  expedient 
and  practicable  ;  and  for  carrying  it  into  exe- 
cution, they  recommend  that  a  subscription  be 
encouraged  by  the  vestry  ;  and  that  all  per- 
sons who  shall,  on   or  before  the  first  day  of 


202  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

January  next,  have  subscribed  at  least  ten 
pounds  to  the  intended  seminary,  be  invited  to 
meet  in  Christ  Church  on  the  day  above  men- 
tioned, in  the  forenoon,  immediately  after  divine 
service,  to  enact  fundamental  laws  and  elect 
visiters  for  the  government  of  the  same.  And 
they  further  recommend,  that  it  be  declared  to 
the  subscribers,  as  essential  to  the  intended 
seminary,  that  it  shall  be  under  the  government 
of  sixteen  persons,  every  one  of  whom  shall 
either  be  a  clergyman  of  some  church  of  the 
protestant  Episcopal  communion,  now,  or  here- 
after being  in  this  city,  or  within  five  miles 
thereof;  or  he  shall  be  qualified  to  be  elected 
a  vestryman  in  one  or  more  of  the  said  churches, 
and  have  either  subscribed  the  sum  of  at  least 
ten  pounds  to  the  said  seminary,  or  received 
his  education  therein,  and  left  it  with  an  honour- 
able certificate  of  his  conduct  and  proficiency." 
Signed, 

William  White. 

Benjamin  Wynkoop. 

Matthew  Clarkson. 

John  Chaloner. 

Gerardus  Clarkson. 

Measures  were  immediately  taken  to  carry 
the  above  plan  into  effect. 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  203 

1785. 

April  3.  The  following  wholesome  resolu- 
tion was  passed  at  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  this 
day,  viz  :  "  Resolved,  that  the  clerks  be  desired 
to  sing  such  tunes  only  as  are  plain  and  familiar 
to  the  congregations;  the  singing  of  other 
tunes,  and  frequent  changing  of  tunes  being,  to 
the  certain  knowledge  of  this  vestry,  generally 
disagreeable  and  inconvenient;  and  that  the 
church  wardens  be  directed  to  notify  them  of 
the  same." 

May  20.  It  is  ordered,  that  the  house  occu- 
pied by  the  pensioners  of  Christ  Church  Hospi- 
tal be  rebuilt,  thirty-four  feet  deep,  and  three 
stories  high.  This  house,  which  was  No.  Ill 
Arch  Street,  remained  until  1838,  when  it  was 
torn  down,  and  the  present  building,  now  occu- 
pied by  the  rector  of  Christ  Church,  was  erect- 
ed upon  the  site. 

May  23.  The  first  convention  of  the  Epis- 
copal church  in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  met 
this  day  in  Christ  Church,  and  formed  an  act 
of  association  of  the  clergy  and  congregations 
in  the  state.  The  Rev.  Dr.  White  presided  in 
this  convention.  Of  the  first  twenty-nine  annual 
diocesan  conventions,  all  but  one  were  held  in 
Christ  Church. 

July  21.     The  committee  appointed  to  re- 


204  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

pair  St.  Peter's  church,  are  directed  to  cause 
the  aisles  to  be  paved  with  bricks. 

Very  considerable  repairs  were  made  on  both 
churches  this  year,  the  estimated  cost  of  which 
was  more  than  a  thousand  pounds. 

September  27.  Agreeably  to  appointment, 
the  first  general  convention  was  held  in  Christ 
Church  this  day,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  White  was 
chosen  president.  The  convention  consisted  of 
"  clerical  and  lay  deputies,  from  seven  of  the 
thirteen  United  States,  viz.  from  New  York  to 
Virginia,  inclusive,  with  the  addition  of  South 
Carolina."*  The  acts  of  this  and  the  follow- 
ing conventions  are  recorded  in  their  printed 
journals. 

1786. 

June  21.  The  general  convention  again 
met  in  Christ  Church,  and  Dr.  White  preached 
the  opening  sermon.  Seven  of  the  thirteen 
states  were  represented,  as  before. 

September  14.  At  a  diocesan  convention 
held  this  da^  in  Christ  Church,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
White  is  unanimously  chosen  bishop  of  the  dio- 
cese of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds  currency  is  voted  to 

*  White's  Memoirs  of  the  ProU  Epis.  Church,  p.  22. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  205 

defray  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  voyage  of 
the  bishop  elect  to  and  from  England ;  and  it  is 
further  resolved,  that  the  said  sum  be  raised 
by  the  several  churches  in  the  diocese.  Of  this 
sum,  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  were  to  be 
contributed  by  the  united  churches  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's,  as  their  fair  proportion. 
October  30.  Dr.  White  sailed  for  England, 
to  obtain  Episcopal  consecration.  The  day 
before  sailing,  he  preached,  by  anticipation,  a 
thanksgiving  sermon  in  Christ  Church.*  The 
Rev.  Dr.  Andrews  is  engaged  by  the  vestry  to 
officiate  in  the  Rector's  absence.  Previous  to 
his  departure,  the  following  address  was  deli- 
vered to  Dr.  White,  by  order  of  the  vestry. 

"  We  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of 
the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's  Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in 
vestry  met,  take  this  occasion  of  expressing 
the  satisfaction  we  feel  at  your  being  nomi- 
nated to  the  sacred  office  of  a  bishop. 

Whilst  we  congratulate  the  church  in  gene- 
ral, upon  the  prospect  of  a  complete  organiza- 
tion within  itself,  which  the  independence  of 
the    United  States  of  America   has  rendered 


*  This  sermon,  which  was  printed,  is  in  the  Loganian  Library,  1901, 
O.  The  day  set  apart  for  public  thanksgiving  was  several  days  subse- 
quent to  Dr.  White's  sailing. 

18 


206  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

essentially  necessary,  we  particularly  felicitate 
ourselves  upon  the  irreproachable  moral  cha- 
racter of  the  person  now  chosen  to  fulfil  the 
duties  of  that  eminent  station,  whose  exempla- 
ry life,  and  soundness  in  the  christian  faith,  we 
have  no  doubt  will,  in  future,  dignify  an  exalted, 
as  it  has  hitherto  adorned  a  more  humble  sta- 
tion in  the  church  of  Christ. 

The  perfect  harmony  which  has  ever  subsist- 
ed between  you  and  the  churches  under  your 
care,  has  deservedly  endeared  you  to  them,  and 
will  render  them  anxious  for  your  safety  in  the 
voyage  you  are  about  to  undertake.  Our  un- 
ceasing good  wishes  will  accompany  you,  and 
we  sincerely  pray  that  it  may  please  divine 
providence  to  restore  you  safe  to  your  native 
land,  and  to  the  flock  committed  to  your 
charge. 

Signed  in,  by  order,  and  on  behalf  of  the 
vestry,  this  twenty-third  day  of  October, 
1786. 

Joseph  Swift. 
Tench  Coxe. 

Church  wardens. 

To  this  address  Dr.  White  returned  the  fol- 
lowing answer. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  207 

Gentlemen, 

I  request  you  to  accept  of  my  sincere  and 
hearty  thanks,  for  the  affecting  instance  of  your 
esteem  now  given  me.  Under  my  sense  of  the 
difficulties  of  the  station  to  which  I  am  nomi- 
nated, I  find  great  encouragement  in  know- 
ing that  the  appointment  is  satisfactory  to 
the  representatives  of  the  congregations,  with 
whom  I  have  so  long  lived  in  perfect  har- 
mony. 

The  testimony  given  by  this  vestry  in  favour 
of  my  past  life  and  conversation  among  them, 
cannot  but  have  arisen  in  a  great  measure  from 
their  being  disposed  to  think  favourably  of  their 
ministers.  Yet  in  case  of  my  return,  it  will  be 
an  additional  obligation  on  me,  to  endeavour  to 
deserve  their  regard ;  and  at  any  rate,  it  will 
be  an  incentive  to  those  who  shall  succeed  me 
in  the  pastoral  duties  of  these  churches. 

Give  me  leave,  gentlemen,  to  assure  you, 
that  yourselves,  and  the  congregations  repre- 
sented by  you,  will  be  always  near  to  my  heart  ; 
and  that,  during  my  absence,  I  shall  not  forget 
to  offer  up  my  prayers  to  the  throne  of  grace 
on  your  behalf;  at  the  same  time  that  I  desire 
to  recommend  myself  to  yours,  as  well  for 
the  prospering  of  the  important  object  of 
my  voyage,  as  for  my  due  discharge  of  the 


208  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

duties  which  it  may  be  the  occasion  of  my  as- 

Wm.  White. 


suming 


Oct.  23d.  1786. 

The  following  notification  of  Dr.  White's  in- 
tention to  depart  for  England,  to  obtain  conse- 
cration, was  read  in  the  several  churches  in  the 
city,  viz. :  Christ  Church,  St.   Peter's  and  St. 
'Paul's. 

"  Whereas  the  most  reverend  the  archbish- 
ops of  Canterbury  and  York,  among  other  in- 
stances of  their  pious  regard  for  the  welfare  of 
the  protestant  Episcopal  church  in  these  states, 
have  required  the  persons,  who  shall  offer  them- 
selves in  England,  to  be  consecrated  bishops  of 
the  said  church,  that  their  intentions  of  so  offer- 
ing themselves  be  previously  published  in  the 
churches  where  they  respectively  reside ;  to 
the  intent  that  if  there  be  any  error  in  religion 
or  viciousness  of  life,  rendering  them  unmeet 
for  the  holy  office  of  bishop,  the  same  may  be 
made  known  ;  and  whereas  the  reverend  Wil- 
liam White,  D.  D.  and  rector  of  these  churches, 
hath  been  duly  nominated  to  the  office  of  bishop 
of  the  protestant  Episcopal  church  in  this  state, 
by  the  said  church  in  convention,  and  is  soon, 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  209 

with  permission  of  Almighty  God,  to  proceed  to 
England,  there  to  present  himself  for  consecra- 
tion ;  Therefore,  the  above  is  now  notified  to 
this  congregation,  who  are  hereby  solemnly 
called  on  to  declare  any  impediment  they  may 
know,  on  account  of  which  the  Reverend  Doc- 
tor William  White  ought  not  to  be  consecrat- 
ed to  the  holy  office  of  bishop." 

Subsequent  to  the  above,  the  following  certi- 
ficate was  prepared  and  signed. 

"In  vestry  of  the  united  churches  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  on  the  23d  day  of  October, 
1786. 

We,  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of 
the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
do  hereby  certify,  that  the  notification  afore- 
going was  publicly  read  immediately  after 
divine  service,  in  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's 
Church  in  this  city,  on  Sunday  the  twenty-se- 
cond instant ;  and  that  no  objection  was  then, 
or  has  since  been  made,  to  our  knowledge,  to 
the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  William  White, 
D.  D.,  and  rector  of  these  churches,  to  the  office 
of  bishop  of  the  protestant  Episcopal  church  in 
this  state,  to  which  he  has  been  elected  by  the 
18* 


210  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

unanimous  suffrages  of  the  convention  of  the 
said  churches.  And  we  do  further  declare,  that 
whilst  we  gratefully  acknowledge  the  pious 
caution  manifested  by  the  right  reverend  the 
archbishops  and  bishops  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land, in  so  carefully  guarding  the  first  appoint- 
ments to  the  episcopacy  in  America,  we  con- 
gratulate the  protestant  Episcopal  church  in 
this  state,  on  the  election  of  the  reverend 
Doctor  White  to  this  sacred  office ;  who,  dur- 
ing a  period  of  fourteen  years  that  he  has  offi- 
ciated as  rector,  or  as  assistant  minister,  in  the 
churches  we  represent,  has  uniformly  supported 
the  character  of  a  learned,  orthodox,  pious  and 
zealous  minister  of  our  church  ;  and  is,  in  our 
opinions,  every  way  qualified  to  fill  the  most 
important  offices  therein. 

In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  sub- 
scribed our  names. 

Jos.  Swift.    >  ^^  wardens. 

1  ENCH  LOXE.  3 

Wilfm  Adcock.  Jos.  Bullock. 

Robert  Towers.  Francis  Gurney. 

Joseph  Claypoole.  WilPm  Hall. 

J.  Swanwick.  Geo.  Bickham. 

Adam  Hubley.  Wooddrop  Sims. 

Benj.  Wynkoop.  Saml.  Powell. 

Peter  De  Haven.  John  Morris. 
John  David.  Vestrymen. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  211 

1787. 

February  4.  Sunday.  Dr.  White  was  this 
day  consecrated  bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Penn- 
sylvania, in  the  chapel  of  the  archiepiscopal 
palace  at  Lambeth  in  England.  Among  the 
few  persons  present  on  this  interesting  occasion, 
was  his  old  friend  and  associate,  the  former 
rector  of  Christ  Church,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Duche.* 

May  7.  The  vestry  considering  the  galleries 
of  Christ  Church  insecure,  direct  small  pillars 
to  be  placed  between  some  of  the  large  columns, 
to  support  the  galleries. 

May  28.  Bishop  White  having  returned 
from  England,  he  this  day  held  an  ordination 
in  Christ  Church,  for  the  first  time,  and  admit- 
ted Mr.  Joseph  Clarkson  to  the  holy  order  of 
deacons.  On  this  most  interesting  occasion, 
the  Ret.  Dr.  Magaw,  rector  of  St.  Paul's  church, 
and  vice  provost  of  the  university  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, preached  the  ordination  sermon.  A 
printed  copy  of  this  sermon  is  preserved  in  the 
Loganian  library.  In  the  dedication  to  Bishop 
White,  the  author  remarks,  that  u  the  occasion 
which  required  its  being  delivered  was  great 
and  delightful."  And  at  the  conclusion  of 
his  discourse  he  says,  "  a  new  era  hath  opened 

*  White's  Memoirs  of  theProt.  Epis.  Ch.  p.  137. 


212  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

in  our  church,  that  will  be  remembered  forever. 
Our  Episcopal  system  is  completed ;  the  first 
fruits  of  so  distinguished  an  event  come  for- 
ward on  the  present  day.  I  join  with  thousands 
to  meet  and  welcome  the  blessing." 

August  6.  A  committee  is  appointed  to  at- 
tend to  the  painting  of  Christ  Church  steeple. 

October  11.  The  rector  reported  to  the 
vestry,  that  Mr.  John  Swanwick  had  presented 
an  episcopal  chair  to  the  church,  (probably  St. 
Peter's,)  and  that  Messrs.  Wooddrop  and  Jo- 
seph Sims  had  given  a  baptismal  font  and  a 
communion  table  cloth.  Whereupon  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  those  gentlemen  was  passed  by  the 
vestry. 

December  3.  The  Rev.  Joseph  G.  Bend, 
residing  in  New  York,  is  elected  assistant  min- 
ister of  the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's,  "  more  especially  to  relieve  the 
rector  of  the  weight  of  parochial  duty  incum- 
bent on  him ;  which  he  must  find  it  difficult  to 
attend  to,  in  consequence  of  his  duty  as  bishop." 
Mr.  Bend  accepted,  and  continued  an  assistant 
in  the  united  churches  until  June  179J,  when 
he  resigned. 

1788. 
April  10.     A  committee  of  vestry  is  appoint- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  213 

ed  "  to  plan  an  alteration  of  the  chancel  and 
reading  desk  in  Christ  Church,  and  to  carry  the 
same  into  effect."  The  object  of  this  was  to 
make  room  for  some  additional  pews. 

November  3.  "  The  rector  laid  before  the 
vestry  a  plan  of  a  free  school  for  boys,  to  be 
under  the  care  of  the  trustees  of  the  Episcopal 
academy,  intended  to  include,  when  sufficient 
funds  should  be  raised,  a  Sunday  school,  as  also 
a  school  for  girls  \  and  confirming  a  proposi- 
tion for  charity  sermons  to  be  preached  annu- 
ally, to  assist  in  the  support  of  the  same. 
Whereupon,  resolved,  that  the  rector  and  assis- 
tant ministers  of  these  united  churches  may 
annually,  in  the  month  of  May,  preach  sermons 
for  the  benefit  of  the  said  charity  schools  ;  and 
in  consideration  that  equal  care  should  be  ex- 
tended by  the  well  disposed  to  both  sexes,  this 
vestry  earnestly  recommend,  that  this  school 
be  extended  to  girls  from  the  beginning ;  and 
that  the  money  arising  from  the  sermons  above 
mentioned,  be  applied  towards  supporting  the 
whole." 

In  the  above  record  we  find  mention  made 
of  a  Sunday  school,  several  years  before  the 
Philadelphia  Sunday  school  society,  which  is 
supposed  to  be  the  first  institution  of  the  kind 
in  this  country,  was  formed.  Of  the  Philadelphia 


214  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Sunday  school  society,  instituted  1791,  Bishop 
White  was  first  president ;  which  office  he  re- 
tained until  his  death. 

1789. 

January  22.  A  resolution  of  thanks  is 
passed  by  the  vestry  to  "  Mr.  Gostelowe,  for 
his  generous  gift  of  a  mahogany  communion 
table,  and  the  making  of  a  font  for  Christ 
Church." 

Upon  the  cover  of  the  font  is  this  inscrip- 
tion, viz. : 

THE  GIFT  OP 

JONATHAN   GOSTELOWE, 

Cabinet  JWafcer,  $$ttatrelpi)fa, 

TO 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  JANUARY,  1789. 

January  31.  The  vestry  direct  that  a  new 
gallery  be  erected  over  the  chancel  in  St.  Pe- 
ter's Church,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the 
organ ;  and  that  six  pews  be  made  in  the  north 
gallery,  where  the  organ  now  stands.  A  com- 
mittee appointed  for  this  purpose,  report  that 
the  estimated  expense  will  be  £110,  "to  build 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  215 

the  said  gallery,  remove  and  put  up  the  organ, 
finish  the  six  pews  in  the  place  where  the 
organ  now  stands,  and  find  all  necessary  mate- 
rials for  the  purposes  aforesaid." 

April  16.  The  following  letter  was  laid  be- 
fore the  vestry : 

"  Sheriff  Hall,  on  Wappoo,  four  miles  from 

Charleston,  South  Carolina,  January  28th, 

1789. 

To  our  worthy  Bishop,  Mr.  White,  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Blackwell,  and  my  old  friend  Robert 
Towers  : 

I  am  now  sick,  but  I  believe  not  to  die  at 
this  time ;  and  farther  hope  to  live  until  I  can 
settle  my  affairs  to  my  mind  ;  and  as  this  is  a 
beginning,  and  you  approve  of  my  offer,  it  may 
be  a  part  done  which  I  could  wish  was  finished. 
There  is  that  lot  in  Fifth  street,  and  that,  No.  4 
from  Schuylkill,  with  somewhere  about  five  hun- 
dred pounds,  in  possession  of  my  old  friend  John 
Drinker.  The  whole  I  leave  to  the  use  of  Dr. 
Kearsley's  bounty,  to  the  poor  distressed  wi- 
dows, for  a  continual  succession  until  time  shall 
be  no  more ;  paying  forty  S.  M.  dollars  every 
three  months,  brought  and  delivered  in  my 
hands,  and  not  for  me  to  run  after  it.  The 
titles  of  the  lands  are  with  my  friend  John 


216  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Drinker,  who  I  have  informed  by  letter ;  and  if 
you  approve  of  my  offer,  the  conveyance  may 
be  made  out  and  executed;  the  sooner  the 
better.  I  expect  you  three  to  act  a  just  part 
by  me,  and  if  I  receive  that  sum  every  three 
months,  I  shall  be  satisfied.  I  shall  conclude, 
as  I  am  weary,  and  you  know  my  mind ;  and 
subscribe  myself, 

Your  affectionate  well-wisher. 

Joseph  Dobbins. 

N.  B.  It  is  my  request  that  the  money,  in  the 

hands  of  my  friend,  may  not  be  taken  from  him 

while  he  gives  sufficient  security,  and  pays  the 

interest.     After  my  death  the  annuity  ceases." 

Besides  the  above  munificent  gift  to  Christ 
Church  Hospital,  Mr.  Dobbins,  at  his  decease, 
in  1804,  "left  all  his  estate,  real  and  personal," 
amounting  to  several  thousand  dollars,  to  that 
institution. 

April  23.  The  pew  rent  arising  from  both 
churches  is  reported  to  be  £836.  The  rector's 
salary  is  £400,  Dr.  Blackwell's  £350,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Bend's  £275. 

November  11.  A  copy  of  Walton's  Poly- 
glot Bible,  6  vols,  folio,  and  a  copy  of  Castell's 
Lexicon,  2  vols,  folio,  are  presented  to  Christ 
Church  Library  by  the  Rev.  T.  Preston,  rector 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  217 

of  Chevening  in  Kent,  England ;  for  which  valu- 
able present,  the  rector  is  requested  to  return  to 
Mr.  Preston  the  thanks  of  the  vestry. 

1790. 
November  26.  A  committee  appointed  at 
a  previous  vestry  meeting,  to  provide  a  pew  in 
Christ  Church,  for  the  president  of  the  United 
States,  now  "  report  that  they  have  obtained  a 
double  pew  in  the  middle  aisle  of  said  Church," 
by  the  removal  of  the  former  occupants.  "  The 
rector  and  church  wardens  are  requested  to 
wait  on  the  president,  after  his  arrival,  with 
the  key  of  the  said  pew."  This  pew,  Washing- 
ton and  his  family  continued  to  occupy,  for  six 
years ;  until  his  retirement  from  public  life,  and 
consequent  removal  from  the  city. 

1791. 

June  27.     "  The  rector  laid  before  the  vestry 
a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bend,  resigning  his 

7  O  o 

place  as  assistant  minister  in  these  churches,  in 
consequence  of  his  election  to  the  rectorship  of 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Baltimore,  Maryland.  The 
vestry,  in  receiving  and  accepting  the  resigna- 
tion of  Mr.  Bend,  take  the  opportunity  of  de- 
claring their  entire  satisfaction  with  his  services 
in  their  connexion.  The  rector  desires  that  his 
concurrence  in  the  testimony  now  borne  may 

19 


218  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

be  recorded,  and  they  unite  in  wishing  Mr. 
Bend  every  happiness,  spiritual  and  temporal,  in 
the  station  on  which  he  is  now  entering." 

1794. 

June  9.  The  Rev.  James  Abercrombie  is 
elected  an  assistant  minister  of  the  united 
churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's. 

December  29.  "  This  vestry  sympathizing 
with  the  Lutheran  congregation,  in  their  late 
calamity  of  the  destruction  of  their  church  by 
fire,  empower  the  rector  and  church  wardens  to 
make  an  offer  to  the  said  congregation  of  the 
use  of  Christ  Church,  in  the  afternoons,  or  in  the 
evenings,  of  Sunday,  or  partially  in  either  of  the 
said  parts  of  the  day,  as  shall  be  most  conveni- 
ent to  the  said  congregation.  And  further,  the 
rector  and  church  wardens  are  empowered  to 
make  an  offer,  in  regard  to  any  other  days  in 
the  week,  according  to  their  discretion.  Re- 
solved, that  a  copy  of  the  above  be  attested  by 
the  accounting  warden,  and  sent  to  the  corpo- 
ration of  the  Lutheran  Church." 

1797. 

February  28.  "  An  address  to  the  president 
of  the  United  States,  (George  Washington)  was 
read  and  approved  of,"  and  a  committee  was 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  219 

appointed  to  wait  on  him  and  learn  when  it 
would  be  convenient  for  him  to  receive  said 
address.  "  Resolved,  that  the  rector  and  two 
church  wardens  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the 
president  elect,  (John  Adams)  after  he  has  en- 
tered on  his  office,  to  offer  him  the  pew  in  Christ 
Church,  hitherto  occupied  by  the  president." 

April  24.  The  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lution were  proposed,  in  vestry  meeting,  and 
ordered  to  lie  over  until  the  next  meeting  of 
vestry :  "  Whereas,  the  president's  pew  in 
Christ  Church  will  only  be  occasionally  occu- 
pied by  the  president  of  the  United  States,  Re- 
solved, that  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  be 
requested  to  make  use  of  the  same,  reserving 
the  right  of  accommodating  the  president  of  the 
United  States  at  such  times  as  he  shall  choose 
to  attend." 

From  1797,  until  the  year  1806,  nothing  ap- 
pears on  the  records  of  the  vestry,  which  is 
deemed  of  sufficient  importance  to  introduce 
in  this  history. 

1806. 

May  20.  A  committee  was  appointed  "  to 
consider  the  ways  and  means  of  building  an- 
other church,"  to  be  united  with  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's. 


220  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

At  this  time  there  were  only  three  Episcopal 
churches  in  the  city :  viz.,  Christ  Church,  St. 
Peter's,  and  St.  Paul's;  none  having  been 
erected  since  1761,  when  St.  Peter's  was  con- 
secrated ;  a  period  of  forty-five  years. 

A  lot  on  Seventh  street,  79  feet  by  1 10  feet, 
was  purchased  for  $ 8,500,  as  a  suitable  site  for 
the  new  church. 

1807. 

March  23.  The  committee  appointed  to  pro- 
cure plans  and  estimates  for  building  a  church, 
report  a  plan  which  was  unanimously  adopted. 
The  estimated  expense  of  enclosing  the  pro- 
posed building,  without  any  inside  work,  was 
g  11,560.  "A  motion  was  made,  and  unani- 
mously agreed  to,  that  the  rector  be  requested 
to  give  a  name  to  the  contemplated  church, 
which  he  accordingly  named  St.  James's."  Pe- 
ter Browne,  Samuel  Wheeler,  John  Morrell, 
Francis  Gurney,  Joseph  Sims  and  Henry  Haw- 
kins, were  appointed  the  building  committee. 

1809. 

April  28.  The  new  church  being  now  com- 
pleted, the  vestry  request  the  bishop  to  conse- 
crate the  same.  Monday,  the  first  day  of  May, 
was  accordingly  fixed  upon  for  the  consecra- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  221 

tion.  The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  preached  the 
consecration  sermon ;  which,  by  request  of  the 
vestry,  was  subsequently  printed. 

1810. 

August  6.  «  The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White  in- 
formed the  vestry  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Black- 
well  had  expressed  his  determination  to  decline 
his  place  as  assistant  minister  in  the  united 
churches,  whenever  a  suitable  person  can  be 
obtained  in  his  room.  It  wTas  further  expressed, 
that  the  cause  of  his  resignation  was  occasional 
indisposition ;  but  that  he  was  willing  to  con- 
tinue to  officiate,  to  allow  sufficient  time  to 
choose  another  minister. 

Whereupon,  Resolved,  that  the  Right  Rev. 
Dr.  White  be  requested  to  express  to  Dr.  Black- 
well  the  regret  with  which  the  vestry  have 
received  the  foregoing  intimation,  and  more 
particularly  for  the  cause  which  has  induced  it ; 
and  that  he  at  the  same  time  communicate  re- 
spectfully to  Dr.  Blackwell  the  sense  of  the 
vestry,  of  the  services  rendered  by  him,  in  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office,  and  ac- 
quaint him  of  the  resolution  of  the  vestry  to 
take  early  measures  for  releasing  him  from  his 
station,  by  the  election  of  a  successor." 

September  18.  "  The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  White 
19* 


222  HISTORICAL      ACCOUNT 

read  a  letter  which  he  had  written  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Blackwell,  and  Dr.  Blackwell's  answer 
thereto ;"  which  are  as  follows,  viz. : 

August  7th,  1810. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir, 

Last  evening,  agreeable  to  your  desire,  I  informed  the 
vestry  of  your  intended  resignation,  which  produced  the 
request  expressed  in  the  inclosed  minutes.* 

In  performing  the  duty  thus  laid  on  me  by  the  vestry,  I 
participate  in  the  respectful  and  affectionate  sentiments 
which  they  have  expressed,  and  I  further  take  the  oppor- 
tunity of  mentioning,  that  during  whatever  may  remain  to 
me  of  life,  I  shall  reflect  with  satisfaction  on  the  harmony 
which  has  subsisted  between  us,  and  the  friendly  inter- 
course in  which  we  have  trod,  through  so  long  a  space  of 
time,  and  that  of  our  united  parochial  ministry.  With  my 
best  wishes  and  my  prayers  for  your  happiness, 
I  remain  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir, 

Your  humble  servant. 

Wm.  White. 

Dr.  Blackwell's  answer. 

Right  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir, 

When  I  look  back  on  the  long  and  happy  connection 
that  has  for  so  many  years  subsisted  between  us,  as  minis- 
ters of  the  united  churches,  the  many  kind  attentions  you 
have  shown  me,  and  the  affectionate  behaviour  I  have 
always  experienced  from  you,  you  may  be  assured  that  I 
am  very  sensibly  affected  at  the  dissolution  of  a  connection, 
so  happily  begun,  and  continued  so  long,  with  such  uninter- 
rupted harmony  and  good  will.  I  am  fully  persuaded,  that 
nothing  will  interrupt  the  friendly  understanding  that  now 
*  The  minutes  of  vestry  of  August  6,  were  enclosed. 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  223 

subsists  between  us  ;  but  that,  as  we  pass  down  the  vale  of 
years,  our  brotherly  affection  will  know  no  change,  but  in 
its  increase  ;  and  that  as  we  draw  nearer  the  close  of  life, 
our  hopes  of  happiness  will  become  brighter  and  brighter. 

My  Dear  Sir, — You  will  please  to  express  to  the  vestry 
the  satisfaction  I  feel,  at  the  kind  and  friendly  notice  they 
have  taken  of  my  past  services;  and  assure  them  that  they 
were  always  performed  with  a  willing  heart,  a  sincere  mind, 
and  an  ardent  desire  that  they  might  be  useful  and  acceptable 
to  the  congregation. 

It  is  my  earnest  prayer,  that,  their  labours  in  promoting 
the  interest  and  welfare  of  the  united  churches  may  be 
crowned  with  full  success;  my  best  wishes  shall  ever 
attend  them. 

Right  Reverend  and  Dear  Sir,  with  the  highest  esteem 
and  veneration  for  your  many  amiable  and  christian  virtues, 
and  with  the  sincerest  wishes  for  your  long  life,  health  and 
happiness, 

I  am  your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

Robert  Blackwell. 

8th  August,  1810. 

Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.  Bishop  of  the  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  Church,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

1811. 

May  14.  The  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper,  who 
had  officiated  for  two  Sundays  previous,  in  the 
united  churches,  is  unanimously  elected  an  as- 
sistant minister. 

"  The  vestry  request  that  the  church  warden 
present  their  thanks  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell 
for  his  past  services,  and  at  the  same  time  ex- 


224  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

press  their  hope,  that  notwithstanding  his  resig- 
nation, he  will  occasionally  favour  them  with 
his  sermons,  when  the  rector  or  either  of  the 
assistant  ministers  may  request." 

1814. 

December  21.  "Resolved,  that  it  is  expe- 
dient at  this  time  to  elect  an  assistant  minister 
to  these  churches."  "  The  Rev.  Mr.  Milnor, 
(now  Dr.  Milnor,  of  New  York,)  was  duly 
elected,  and  the  rector  declared  his  approba- 
tion." 

1815. 

September  15.  A  new  organ  is  built  for  St. 
Peter's  Church,  the  cost  of  which,  "as  con- 
tracted for  by  the  committee,"  is  $3500.  The 
greater  part  of  this  sum  was  raised  by  indivi- 
dual subscriptions, 

1816. 

March  6.  Miss  A.  M.  Clifton  left  by  her 
will  "  one  share  in  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania, 
(par  value  $400,)  in  trust,  as  the  foundation 
of  a  fund  for  teaching  six  boys  as  a  choir  to 
sing  in  the  orchestra  of  Christ  Church." 

June  28.  The  Rev.  James  Milnor  resigns 
his  situation  as  assistant  minister  of  the  united 
churches,  to  become  the  rector  of  St.  George's 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  225 

church,  New  York,  a  station  which  he  continues 
(1841,)  to  fill  with  dignity  and  usefulness.  Long 
may  the  congregation,  of  which  he  has  had  the 
charge  for  a  quarter  of  a  century,  be  blessed 
with  his  faithful  ministrations. 

Dr.  Milnor's  letter,  tendering  his  resignation, 
is  as  follows ; 

To  the  Rector,  Church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the 
united  churches  of  Christ  Church,  St.  Peter's  Church, 
and  St.  James's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Gentlemen, 

It  is  not  without  great  sensibility,  that  I  present  to  you 
my  resignation  of  the  office  of  assistant  minister,  in  the 
churches  over  whose  interests  you  preside.  The  uniform 
kindness  manifested  towards  me,  both  by  you,  and  the  res- 
pectable congregations  amongst  whom  my  first  labours  in 
the  ministry  have  been  employed,  has  impressed  me  with 
the  deepest  gratitude  ;  and  whatever  may  be  the  destination 
of  my  future  efforts,  will  always  be  recollected  with  the 
sincerest  respect. 

Having  received,  however,  an  unsolicited  and  unanimous 
call  to  another  portion  of  the  vineyard  of  Christ,  which  ap- 
pears to  open  a  more  advantageous  field  of  usefulness,  in 
its  restriction  to  the  superintendence  of  a  single  congrega- 
tion, than  can  be  afforded  in  the  collegiate  charge  of  seve- 
ral,  I  have  believed  it  my  duty  to  submit  to  the  exchange, 
under  a  humble  belief  of  its  according  with  the  will  of  divine 
Providence  ;  and  thus,  though  a  painful,  becoming  a  neces- 
sary act  of  obedience  on  my  part. 

I   solicit,  therefore,  the  favour  of  your,  adopting  the  re- 


226  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

quisite  measures,  for  a  legal  and  canonical  dissolution  of  my 
present  connexion  with  the  united  churches. 

Be  pleased,  gentlemen,  to  receive  individually  my  ardent 
wishes  for  your  personal  happiness  in  time  and  in  eternity, 
and  for  the  spiritual  prosperity  of  the  churches  under  your 
care,  and  believe  me, 

Your  obedient  servant,  and 

Christian  brother, 

James  Milnor. 
Philadelphia,  June  28th,  1816. 

The  above  letter  having  been  read,  it  was 
"  Resolved,  that  the  said  resignation  be  entered 
on  the  minutes,  with  an  expression  of  the  res- 
pect and  esteem  of  the  vestry  for  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Milnor,  their  regret  for  the  dissolution  of  a  con- 
nexion which  had  so  happily  subsisted,  and 
their  best  wishes  for  his  usefulness  and  happi- 
ness, in  the  portion  of  the  Lord's  vineyard  to 
which  his  labors  are  to  be  transferred." 

1817. 

October  1.  "Resolved,  that  the  vestry  will 
now  proceed  to  elect  a  clergyman,  whose  ex- 
clusive duty  it  shall  be  to  assist  the  rector,  in 
the  performance  of  parochial  duties ;  the  en- 
gagement with  such  clergymen  to  be  for  one 
year  only,  from  the  10th  October,  instant." 

"  The  vestry  then  proceeded  to  make  the 
election,  by  ballot,  when  it  appeared  that  the 


OF    CHRIST     CHURCH.  227 

Rev.  William  A.  Muhlenberg,  (now  the  rector 
of  St.  Paul's  College,)  was  duly  chosen ;  and 
the  rector  expressed  his  approbation  thereof." 

1819. 

March  5.  The  committee  of  Christ  Church 
Hospital  report,  that  their  new  building  on 
Cherry  street  is  nearly  finished,  and  that  the 
whole  cost,  including  furniture,  is  about  eigh- 
teen thousand  two  hundred  dollars.  The  22d 
day  of  March  was  appointed  for  opening  the 
hospital,  "  at  which  time  the  clergy  and  vestry- 
men are  requested  to  attend." 

1820. 

December  6.  The  Rev.  William  A.  Muh- 
lenberg resigns  his  situation  as  assistant  to  the 
rector,  to  take  charge  of  St.  James's  Church, 
Lancaster,  Pennsylvania.  Whereupon,  the 
vestry,  in  accepting  his  resignation,  express 
their  "respect  and  esteem  for  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Muhlenberg ;  their  regret  at  the  separation  that 
has  taken  place,  and  their  best  wishes  for  his 
usefulness  in  the  church,  to  which  his  future 
labours  will  be  given." 

1822. 
March    11.     The    Rev.   William    H.    De 


228  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

Lancey,  (now  the  Bishop  of  western  New 
York,)  was  elected  an  assistant  to  the  rector, 
which  office  he  accepted,  and  entered  immedi- 
ately upon  its  duties. 

1823. 

July  9.  Henry  Rigby,  of  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, leaves  "  certain  real  estate  in  the  city, 
with  power  in  the  trustees,  to  take  and  apply 
the  net  income  derivable  therefrom,  to  the  use 
and  relief  of  the  poor  of  Christ  Church,  who 
shall  be  in  full  communion"  with  the  said 
church ;  the  date  of  the  will  is  April  28th 
1823. 

The  will  being  read  in  vestry  meeting,  it 
was  "  ordered  that  an  entry  be  made  on  the 
minutes,  of  the  bequest  of  Mr.  Rigby,  and  also 
that  the  vestry  entertain  a  high  sense  of  the 
kind  and  benevolent  intentions  of  the  donor, 
and  his  charitable  disposition  in  favour  of  the 
poor  communicants  of  Christ  Church." 

1825. 

December  7.  "  Resolved,  that  the  church 
warden  communicate  to  Dr.  Thomas  Redman 
the  grateful  sense  of  the  vestry  for  the  legacy 
of  a  silver  cup,  bequeathed  by  the  late  Mrs. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  229 

Redman,  for  the  use  of  the  communion  table  at 
Christ  Church." 

December  23.  "  Resolved,  that  a  committee 
of  six  of  the  vestry  be  appointed  to  prepare  and 
report  a  plan,  for  the  separation  of  these 
churches.  The  following  gentlemen  were  ap- 
pointed the  committee ;  Mr.  Tilghman,  Mr. 
Binney,  Mr.  Pratt,  Mr.  Meredith,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Read." 

1826. 

February  20.  "  Mr.  Binney,  from  the  com- 
mittee appointed  at  the  last  meeting  to  prepare 
a  plan  for  the  separation  of  these  churches, 
made  a  report  which  was  read  and  ordered  to 
be  printed." 

March  10.  "  The  rector  informed  the  ves- 
try, that  the  meeting  had  been  specially  called, 
to  consider  the  report  on  the  separation  of  the 
churches."  The  report  was  read  and  con- 
sidered by  paragraphs,  and  after  a  single 
amendment,  "  on  motion,  the  whole  report  was 
adopted." 

"  The  following  resolution  was  moved  and 
seconded,  and  unanimously  agreed  to :  Resolv- 
ed, that  in  the  opinion  of  vestry,  no  separation 
of  the  churches  should  take  place,  unless  rati- 
fied by  the  votes  of  three-fourths  of  the  mem- 

20 


230  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

bers  of  all  the  churches,  jointly  convened,  on 
special  notice  for  that  purpose." 

June  7.  "Resolved,  that  the  plan  for  sepa- 
ration of  the  united  churches,  reported  to  ves- 
try on  the  10th  day  of  March  last,  be  submitted 
to  the  congregations  of  the  said  churches,  at 
meetings  of  the  said  congregations,  to  be  called 
in  their  respective  churches,  on  the  30th  day  of 
October  next." 

December  6.  "The  assistant  wardens  re- 
ported to  vestry,  the  state  of  the  votes  taken 
in  their  respective  churches,  on  the  30th  day  of 
October  last,  on  the  question  of  separation, 
agreeably  to  the  plan  adopted  by  vestry  for 
that  purpose." 

CHRIST  CHURCH. 

For  a  separation,  24   votes,  representing   53 

sittings. 
Against  a  separation,  109  votes,  representing 

247  sittings. 


For  a  separation,  60  votes,  representing  139 

sittings. 
Against  a  separation,  54  votes,  representing 

122  sittings. 


of   christ   church.  231 

st.  james's  church. 

For  a  separation,  52  votes,  representing  194 

sittings. 
Against  a  separation,  23   votes,  representing 

88  sittings. 

So  the  measure  was  not  carried.  St.  James's 
Church,  as  will  hereafter  be  seen,  was  erected 
into  a  separate  corporation,  in  February,  1829 ; 
and  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's  were  sepa- 
rated in  January,  1832. 

1827. 

May  4.  "  The  rector  reminded  the  vestry, 
that  the  place  of  rector's  church  warden  is  va- 
cant, owing  to  the  lamented  decease  of  the  late 
William  Tilghman,  Esq.,  who  during  many 
years  had  done  him  the  favour  of  serving  in 
that  office ;  and  there  was  submitted  the  ex- 
pediency of  the  appointment  of  a  successor. 

"  The  vestry  united  with  the  rector  in  deplor- 
ing the  loss  of  so  valuable  a  member  of  their 
body,  who  had  taken  a  deep  interest  in  all  the 
concerns  of  the  united  churches,  and  had  been 
attentive  to  all  the  duties  resting  on  him,  and 
to  all  the  services  committed  to  him,  in  the 
stations  which  he  occupied  ;  and  they  concur- 


232  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

red  with  the  rector  in  the  expediency  of  ap- 
pointing a  successor." 

The  rector  then  appointed  Horace  Binney, 
Esq.,  the  church  warden,  in  place  of  Chief  Jus- 
tice Tilghman,  deceased. 

1828. 

August  25.  At  a  meeting  this  day,  "the 
rector  laid  before  the  vestry  the  following  let- 
ter from  the  Rev.  William  H.  De  Lancey :" 

Philadelphia,  August25th,  1828. 
To  the  rector  and  vestry  of  the  united  churches  of  Christ 
Church,  St.  Peter's  and  St.  James's,  Philadelphia: 

Gentlemen, 

On  the  22d  instant,  I  received  a  communication  from  the 
board  of  trustees  of  the  university  of  Pennsylvania,  of  which 
the  following  is  a  copy,  viz. : 

Dear  Sir.  As  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  by 
the  board  of  trustees  of  the  university  of  Pennsylvania,  to 
communicate  the  result  of  the  elections  held  this  day,  I 
have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  you  have  been  unan- 
imously elected  provost  and  professor  of  moral  philosophy, 
in  that  Institution. 

I  hasten  to  apprize  you  of  this  appointment,  and  to 
request  that  you  will  have  the  goodness,  with  as  little  delay 
as  may  consist  with  your  convenience,  to  intimate  to  me 
your  determination  in  regard  to  it. 

With  great  respect  and  esteem, 
Yours, 
Rev.  W.  H.  De  Lancey.  N.  Biddle. 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  233 

In  pursuance  of  a  desire  to  accept  the  very  honourable 
appointment,  thus  unanimously  conferred  upon  me,  without 
any  solicitation  on  my  part,  I  have  determined,  upon  se- 
rious deliberation,  to  lay  my  resignation,  after  the  15th  of 
September  next,  of  the  office  of  an  assistant  minister  of  the 
united  churches,  before  the  rector  and  vestry,  and  to  solicit 
their  acceptance  of  it. 

In  taking  this  step,  involving  a  rupture  of  the  pastoral 
connexion,  which  for  more  than  six  years  has  so  happily 
subsisted  between  the  united  churches  and  myself,  I  deem 
it  a  very  great  mitigation  of  the  painful  feelings  attendant 
on  the  measure,  that  I  shall  still  reside  among  those  from 
whom  I  have  experienced  so  much  kindness,  and  be  able 
to  maintain  that  affectionate  intercourse  with  them,  which 
has  been  to  me  the  source  of  so  much  satisfaction  and  hap- 
piness. 

It  is  expected,  I  believe,  that  I  should  give  an  exclusive 
devotion  of  my  time  and  labours  to  the  duties  connected 
with  the  university,  which  will  commence  on  the  15th  of 
September ;  and  you  will  perceive  in  the  communication 
from  the  board,  that  an  immediate  answer  is  expected, 
respecting  my  acceptance  of  the  offered  station.  This 
answer,  it  will  of  course  be  impracticable  for  me  to  give, 
until  apprized  of  the  result  of  the  present  application  to  the 
vestry  to  accept  the  resignation,  which  is  herewith  res- 
pectfully tendered,  by 

Their  affectionate  minister, 

And  obedient  servant, 

W.  H.  De  Lancey. 

The   foregoing  communication   being  read, 
Mr.  Binney   offered  the  following  resolution, 
which  was  unanimously  adopted: 
20* 


234  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Resolved,  that  the  resignation  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  De  Lancey  be  accepted  ;  and  that  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  to 
vestry  a  fit  expression  of  their  regret  for  the 
dissolution  of  the  pastoral  connexion  between 
the  Rev.  Mr.  De  Lancey  and  the  united 
churches. 

Messrs.  Binney,  Meredith  and  Smith  were 
appointed  the  committee. 

September  10.  "  The  following  report  was 
presented  and  read : 

The  committee  of  vestry  appointed  to  report 
a  fit  expression  of  their  regret  for  the  dissolu- 
tion of  the  pastoral  connexion  between  the  Rev. 
William  H.  De  Lancey  and  the  united  churches, 
Report,  that  in  their  opinion  it  is  due  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  De  Lancey,  to  record  upon  the  minutes 
of  vestry,  an  expression  of  respectful  and  affec- 
tionate attachment  to  him,  and  of  their  sincere 
wishes  for  his  success  and  happiness,  in  the 
Chair  of  Provost  of  the  University  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, to  which  he  has  been  unanimously  elected. 
During  the  whole  period  of  this  gentleman's 
connexion  with  the  united  churches,  he  has  been 
distinguished  by  his  piety,  his  eloquence,  his 
zeal  for  the  advancement  of  religion,  and  his 
ardour  in  the  cause  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  diocese  of  Pennsylvania.     He 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  235 

has  consequently  been  regarded  with  singular 
affection  and  respect,  by  the  members  of  the 
united  churches,  and  has  rendered  eminent  ser- 
vice to  the  church  at  large.  It  is  impossible  to 
part  with  such  a  minister,  without  deep  regret, 
of  which  however  it  is  an  alleviation,  that  his 
talents  are  to  be  devoted  to  the  cause  of  learn- 
ing and  piety,  in  the  liberal  education  of  youth, 
and  that  the  united  churches  may  occasionally 
receive  the  benefit  of  his  counsel,  from  their  own 
pulpits. 

Resolved,  that  the  accounting  church  warden 
be  requested  to  communicate  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
De  Lancey  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolution. 
Signed, 

Horace  Binney. 
Wm.  Meredith. 
Daniel  Smith. 

Whereupon,  on  motion,  the  foregoing  resolu- 
tion was  unanimously  adopted." 

October  17.  "A  petition  signed  by  a  num- 
ber of  members  of  St.  James's  Church,  praying 
vestry  to  take  such  measures  as  they  may 
deem  proper  to  ascertain  whether,  and  upon 
what  just  and  equitable  terms,  St.  James's 
Church  may  be  erected  into  a  separate  corpo- 
ration, was  presented,  read   and   referred  to 


236  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Messrs.  Nicklin,  Pratt,  Bringhurst,  Ingersoll, 
Meredith,  Miller,  Lowber,  Read  and  Comegys." 

December  3.  "  Mr.  Nicklin  presented  the 
report  of  the  committee,  to  whom  was  referred 
the  petition  for  erecting  St.  James's  Church  into 
a  separate  corporation,  approving  a  plan  for  the 
separation  of  that  church,  accompanying  the 
report." 

December  10.  "On  motion,  the  vestry  pro- 
ceeded to  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  petition  for  the  separation  of 
St.  James's  Church." 

The  plan  of  separation,  recommended  by  the 
said  report,  "  was  then  considered  by  articles 
and  sections,  and  after  various  amendments 
made  therein,  was  adopted.  The  plan,  as  adopt- 
ed, is  as  follows :" 

PLAN  TOR  ERECTING  ST.  JAMEs's  CHURCH  INTO  A  SEPARATE 
CORPORATION. 

ARTICLE  I. 

St.  James's  Church  shall  be  separated  forthwith  from 
the  united  churches,  and  shall  constitute  a  separate  corpo- 
ration, of  which  the  organization  shall  be  as  follows  : 

Section  1.  The  corporate  style  shall  be  "The  Rector, 
Church  "Wardens,  and  Vestry-men  of  St.  James's  Church 
in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,"  who  shall  have  the  same  cor- 
porate powers  as  are  now  vested  in  the  present  corpora- 
tion, so  far  as  the  same  shall  be  applicable.        / 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  237 

Section  2.  The  present  Rector  of  the  united  churches 
shall  be  the  rector  of  St.  James's  Church,  with  the  same 
power  and  authorities  as  in  the  present  charter. 

Section  3.  The  rules  and  statutes  of  the  united  churches 
as  they  now  are,  shall  be  the  rules  and  statutes  of  the  said 
new  corporation,  so  far  as  the  same  are  applicable,  until 
the  same  shall  be  duly  altered. 

ARTICLE  II. 

The  following  property  shall  be  conveyed  to  the  corpo- 
ration of  St.  James's  Church,  together  with  all  deeds  and 
muniments  of  title  relating  thereto,  viz. 

1.  The  church  and  lot  of  ground  on  Seventh  street. 

2.  The  lot  of  ground  at  the  south  east  corner  of  the 
burial  ground  in  Arch  street,  conveyed  to  the  united 
churches,  by  Sarah  T  wells,  by  deed,  dated  the  29th  day  of 
March,  a.  d.  1816  ;  together  with  convenient  access  there- 
to for  funeral  processions  through  the  said  burial  ground; 
which  said  lot  of  ground  shall  forever  hereafter  be  used 
exclusively  as  a  burial  ground  for  the  Corporation  of  St. 
James's  Church,  and  for  no  other  purpose  whatever. 

The  members  of  St.  James's  Church,  at  the  time  of  this 
separation,  shall  have,  so  long  as  they  continue  members 
thereof,  the  same  right  of  burial  in  either  of  the  burial 
grounds  now  belonging  to  the  united  churches,  as  they 
have  according  to  the  existing  by-laws  of  the  united 
churches,  at  the  time  of  the  said  separation  ;  which  right 
shall  also  be  enjoyed,  during  the  membership  of  such  per- 
sons, by  their  children  under  the  age  of  21  years,  and  by 
their  unmarried  daughters  of  whatever  age,  residing  with 
them.  And  upon  the  burial  of  any  member  of  St.  James's 
Church  in  either  of  the  said  burial  grounds,  the  rector  or 


238  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

other  minister  of  St.  James's  Church  shall  have  the  right 
of  officiating  at  the  interment.* 

The  owners  of  vaults  in  either  of  the  said  burial  grounds, 
being  members  of  St.  James'  Church,  and  the  members  of 
their  respective  families,  shall  at  all  times  have  the  right  of 
burial  therein,  upon  the  same  terms  as  if  they  were  at  their 
decease,  members  of  the  church  to  which  the  ground  may- 
appertain. 

ARTICLE  III. 

The  Corporation  of  St.  James's  Church  shall  pay  quar- 
terly to  the  present  rector,  one  equal  third  part  of  his  pre- 
sent salary,  which  shall  not  be  altered  except  at  a  joint 
meeting  of  the  vestries  of  the  said  church,  and  of  the  other 
two  churches,  and  by  the  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  vestry- 
men thus  assembled  ;  which  joint  meeting  shall  not  be 
called,  except  upon  notice  to  the  vestry-men  of  St.  James's 
Church,  as  well  of  the  time  and  place  of  the  said  meeting, 
as  of  the  object  thereof,  ten  days  previous  thereto. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Section  1.     The  church  records  of  the  present  united 

*  That  the  intention  of  this  paragraph  might  be  more  clearly  ex- 
pressed,  it  was,  December  12th,  "  Resolved,  that  the  second  article  of 
the  said  plan  be  so  amended,  as  that  the  second  paragraph  of  the  second 
section  shall  read  as  follows  : 

The  members  of  St.  James's  Church  at  the  time  of  this  separation, 
and  their  widows,  and  all  the  children  of  such  members,  shall  have  the 
same  rights  of  burial  in  either  of  the  burial  grounds  now  belonging  to 
the  united  churches,  as,  agreeably  to  the  existing  by-laws  and  statutes 
of  the  united  churches,  at  the  time  of  this  separation,  they  would  have 
had  respectively,  had  this  separation  not  taken  place.  And  upon  the 
burial  of  any  member  of  St.  James's  Church,  in  either  of  the  said  burial 
grounds,  the  rector  or  other  minister  of  St.  James's  Church  shall  have 
the  right  of  officiating  at  the  interment." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  239 

churches,  shall  at  all  times  be  and  remain  in  the  possession 
of  the  Corporation  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's 
Church,  who  shall  have  the  same  power  to  certify  copies 
thereof,  with  the  like  effect  as  the  same  can  now  be  certi- 
fied by  the  corporation  of  the  united  churches ;  and  free 
access  to  the  same,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  and  mak- 
ing extracts  and  copies,  shall  always  be  permitted  to  the 
Corporation  of  St.  James's  Church,  or  their  authorized 
agent. 

Section  2.  The  Corporation  of  St.  James's  Church 
shall  have  the  same  right  of  access,  for  its  officers  and 
members,  to  the  library  called  Christ  Church  Library,  as 
the  officers  and  members  of  the  said  church  now  have. 

ARTICLE    V. 

The  Corporation  of  St.  James's  Church  shall  become  re- 
sponsible for  one-third  of  the  present  debt  of  the  united 
churches. 

The  above  plan  was  submitted  to  the  hold- 
ers of  pews  and  sittings,  in  their  respective 
churches,  on  Monday,  the  22d  of  December, 
1828,  when  the  following  appears  to  have  been 
the  result. 


IN  CHRIST  CHURCH. 

For  the  plan  of  separation,  63  votes,  repre- 
senting 123  sittings. 
Against  it,  44  votes,  representing  98  sittings. 


240  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 


in  st.  peter's. 


For  the  plan,  89  votes,  representing  226   sit- 
tings. 
Against  it,  3  votes,  representing  22  sittings. 


For  the  plan,  126  votes,  representing  371  sit- 
tings. 
Against  it,  18  votes,  representing  48  sittings. 

A  memorial  to  the  legislature  was  according- 
ly prepared,  praying  them  to  pass  an  act  for 
carrying  into  effect  the  plan  of  separation ; 
and  such  act  was  passed  the  5th  of  February 
following. 

1829. 

February  14.  At  a  meeting"of  the  vestry  of 
the  united  Episcopal  churches  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, held  agreeably  to  notice  at  the  rector's 
house,  on  Saturday  evening,  the  14th  of  Febru- 
ary, a.  d.  1829  ;  present,  the  rector,  the  church 
wardens,  and  Messrs.  Wayne,  Pratt,  Bring- 
hurst,  White,  Tryon,  Nicklin,  Miller,  Percival 
and  Lewis. 

A  duly  certified  copy  of  an  act  of  the  legis- 
lature of  this  commonwealth,  entitled  "  An  act 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  241 

for  erecting  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's 
Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  St. 
James's  Church  in  the  same  city,  into  two  sep- 
arate corporations,"  passed  the  5th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1829,  was  submitted  to  vestry,  whereby  it 
is,  among  other  things,  declared  and  enacted, 
"  That  the  right  reverend  William  White,  rec- 
tor, Horace  Binney  and  William  Meredith, 
church  wardens,  and  Caleb  P.  Wayne,  Henry 
Pratt,  George  Bringhurst,  Thomas  H.  White, 
Joseph  Cooper,  George  Tryon,  Philip  H.  Nick- 
lin,  Daniel  Smith,  Joseph  Sims,  John  Miller,  Jr., 
William  Phillips,  Joshua  Percival,  Joseph  R. 
Ingersoll  and  Lawrence  Lewis,  vestrymen, 
shall  form,  and  they  are  hereby  declared  to  be, 
a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name,  style, 
and  title  of  '  The  rector,  church  wardens  and 
vestrymen  of  the  united  Episcopal  churches  of 
Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the 
city  of  Philadelphia,'  with  the  same  powers, 
rights,  authorities  and  privileges,  which  were 
possessed  and  enjoyed  by  the  said  two  church- 
es under  their  original  charter  from  the  late 
proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania,  before  the  build- 
ing of  the  said  St.  James's  Church,  and  before 
the  passing  of  the  act  of  the  nineteenth  day  of 
March,  a.  d.  1810,  entitled  *  An  act  enlarging 
and  altering  the  charter,  of  the  rector  church 

21 


242  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the  united  Episcopal 
churches  of  Christ  Church,  and  St.  Peter's 
Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  pro- 
vince of  Pennsylvania,'  and  for  other  purposes 
therein  mentioned." 

1831. 

June  1.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Kemper,  (now  Bish- 
op Kemper,)  having  been  elected  rector  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Norwalk,  Connecticut,  tenders 
his  resignation  as  assistant  minister  of  the  unit- 
ed churches,  having  held  the  office  more  than 
twenty  years.  He  preached  his  farewell  ser- 
mon on  Trinity  Sunday,  May  29th. 

"On  motion  of  Mr.  Binney,  the  following 
resolutions,  being  considered,  are  unanimously 
adopted  : 

Whereas  the  Rev.  Jackson  Kemper,  one  of 
the  assistant  ministers  of  the  united  churches, 
has  tendered  to  vestry  the  resignation  of  his 
office,  he  having  been  elected  rector  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Norwalk,  Connecticut : 

Resolved,  that  Dr.  Kemper's  resignation  be 
accepted  ;  and  that  the  rector  be  requested  to 
express  to  him  the  sense  which  the  vestry  en- 
tertain of  his  services  during  the  term  of  their 
connection,  a  period  of  more  than  twenty  years, 
in  which  these  churches  have  witnessed  in  Dr. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  243 

Kemper  an  example  of  unvarying  devotion  to 
the  duties  of  the  sacred  office,  of  untiring  zeal 
in  their  conscientious  discharge,  and  of  the 
cheerful  surrender  at  all  times  of  his  personal 
ease  and  convenience,  to  the  welfare  of  the 
united  churches. 

The  vestry  part  with  Dr.  Kemper,  with  sen- 
timents of  affectionate  respect,  and  pray  that 
the  blessing  of  heaven  may  attend  him  person- 
ally, and  prosper  his  labours  in  his  new  con- 
nection. 

Resolved,  that  as  a  mark  of  the  esteem  of  the 
united  churches  for  Dr.  Kemper,  the  account- 
ing warden  be  instructed  to  pay  him  the  sum  of 
five  hundred  dollars,  in  addition  to  his  salary 
for  the  accruing  quarter." 

"  Resolved,  that  a  committee  of  six  be  ap- 
pointed to  consider  the  expediency  of  filling  at 
this  time  the  vacancy  in  the  office  of  assistant 
minister  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Kemper.  Messrs.  Binney,  Hutchins, 
Nicklin,  Meredith,  Miller  and  J.  S.  Smith,  were 
appointed. 

"  Resolved,  that  the  same  committee  be  au- 
thorized and  instructed  to  consider  and  report 
as  to  the  expediency  of  a  separation  of  the 
churches,  and  if  it  shall  be  deemed  expedient, 
to  prepare  and  report  a  plan  for  that  purpose. 


244  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

June  17.  "The  committee  report  their 
opinion  that  a  separation  of  the  churches  is  ex- 
pedient ;  and  in  obedience  to  their  instructions, 
they  report  a  plan  and  resolution  for  carrying 
it  into  effect."* 

November  16.  "The  wardens  report  the 
votes  of  the  congregations  of  the  churches  on 
the  question  of  their  separation,  received  agree- 
ably to  a  former  resolution  of  vestry,  from 
which  it  appears  that  in  Christ  Church  there 
were  66  votes  in  favour  of  that  measure,  and 
none  against  it ;  and  that  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
there  were  74  votes  in  favour,  and  5  votes 
against  it.  It  is  thereupon  resolved,  that 
Messrs.  Binney,  J.  S.  Smith  and  Wheeler,  be 
a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  to  vestry  a 
memorial  to  the  legislature,  and  a  bill  for  car- 
rying into  effect  the  separation  of  these 
churches." 

An  act  for  erecting  the  two  churches  into 
separate  corporations  was  passed  in  January 
following. 

1832. 
January  25.    At  a  meeting  of  the  members  of 
the  late  vestry  of  the  united  churches  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's,  held  at  the  house  of  the 

*  See  Appendix. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  245 

rector  of  the  said  churches,  "  Mr.  Meredith,  the 
late  accounting  church  warden,  communicated 
to  the  meeting  an  act  of  the  honourable  legisla- 
ture, entitled  'An  Act  for  erecting  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia into  separate  corporations,'  approved  by 
the  governor  on  the  day  of  January,  in- 

stant, which  had  been  passed  agreeably  to  a 
memorial  which  had  been  presented  to  the  legis- 
lature to  that  effect. 

"  The  members  of  the  late  vestry  in  their  re- 
cording of  this  act,  look  back  on  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  said  churches  during  the  more  than 
seventy  years  of  their  union,  (having  been  for 
nearly  sixty  years  under  the  spiritual  guidance 
of  their  present  rector,  the  Right  Reverend 
William  White,  for  nearly  fifty-three  of  which 
he  has  filled  that  office,)  with  gratitude  to  Al- 
mighty God  for  the  uninterrupted  harmony  by 
which  their  union  has  been  distinguished. 

"  It  is  an  additional  satisfaction  to  them,  that 
the  separation  now  taking  place,  has  not  been 
occasioned  by  unpleasant  feelings  or  by  discon- 
tent in  any,  but  has  been  produced  by  the  con- 
viction, that  in  distinct  corporations  the  interest 
of  the  churches  will  be  most  effectually  pro- 
moted. 

"  Accordingly,  while  they  resolve  themselves 
21* 


246  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

into  two  vestries,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of 
the  act,  it  is  with  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  that 
in  their  characters  of  two  churches,  there  may 
be  a  continuance  of  the  blessing  hitherto  vouch- 
safed to  them  in  union." 

The  two  churches  being  now  erected  into 
separate  corporations,  by  the  act  above  named, 
an  election  of  vestrymen  was  holden  in  Christ 
Church,  "Agreeably  to  charter  and  ancient 
usage,"  on  Easter  Monday,  April  23,  1832; 
and  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  "  the  ves- 
try-men chose  Henry  I.  Hutchins  to  be  one 
of  the  church  wardens,  and  the  rector  chose 
Horace  Binney  to  be  the  other  church  warden." 

April  30.  "  The  Sunday  collections  of  box- 
money  in  the  church  were  agreed  to  be  abol- 
ished." 

June  6.  "  Resolved,  that  the  office  of  clerk 
be  abolished,  on  the  10th  day  of  July  next." 

June  29.  The  Rev.  John  W.  James,  rec- 
tor of  Christ  Church,  Meadville,  is  elected  an 
assistant  minister,  "  during  the  lifetime  of  the 
present  rector,  and  until  the  Easter  Monday 
following  his  decease." 

Mr.  James  accepted,  and  entered  on  his  new 
duties  the  September  following. 

November  7.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Abercrombie 
tenders  his  resignation  as  assistant  minister  of 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  247 

Christ  Church,  which  is  accepted.  He  had  held 
that  office  more  than  thirty-eight  years ;  hav- 
ing been  elected  to  it  in  June,  1794.  The  ves- 
try voted  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Abercrombie,  on  his 
resigning  his  charge,  an  annuity  of  six  hundred 
dollars  for  life ;  and  St.  Peter's  Church  did  the 
same. 

1834. 

March  1.  A  three  story  building  on  Har- 
tung's  alley,  (now  Le  Grange  street)  adjoining 
the  north  west  corner  of  the  church  ground,  is 
rented  by  vestry  for  a  term  of  years,  from  the 
1st  of  March,  1834;  and  fitted  up  for  the  use 
of  the  Sunday  schools. 

May  7.  "  The  committee  appointed  on  the 
7th  April  last,  on  the  subject  of  altering  the 
galleries,  &c,  report,  that  they  have  given  dili- 
gent attention  to  that  object,  and  submit  for 
consideration  of  vestry  the  following  letter* 
from  Mr.  Thomas  U.  Walter,  architect,  receiv- 
ed in  answer  to  their  inquiries. 

"  Resolved,  that  the  committee  be  continued, 
and  that  they  be  authorized  to  alter  the  galle- 
ries, by  the  introduction  of  slip  pews ;  and  to 
remove  the  organ  back,  in  such  manner  as  may 
appear  most  advisable."  Nothing  further  ap- 
pears to  have  been  done  by  this  committee 
until  January,  1836. 

*  See  Appendix. 


248  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1835. 

June  3.  A  committee  of  vestry  is  appointed 
to  have  ten  or  more  vaults  constructed  in  the 
burial  ground  on  the  corner  of  Arch  and  Fifth 
streets. 

June  25.  "  On  motion  of  Mr.  Binney,  the 
following  preamble  and  resolution  were  adopt- 
ed ;  Whereas  it  is  deemed  expedient  to  erect  a 
new  organ  in  Christ  Church,  of  sufficient  power 
for  the  church,  and  of  such  workmanship  and 
materials  as  to  insure  durability,  Resolved,  that 
the  committee  on  music  be  authorized  to  enter 
into  contract  for  such  an  organ,  and  that  they 
be  authorized  to  dispose  of  the  present  organ 
for  such  price  as  they  deem  proper,  to  be 
applied  in  part  to  the  payment  of  the  new 
organ." 

For  a  particular  account  of  the  instrument 
which  was  purchased  by  authority  of  the  above 
resolution,  see  Appendix. 

1836. 

January  25.  The  committee  on  re-seating 
the  church,  taking  down  and  rebuilding  the 
galleries,  &c,  made  a  report  in  favour  of  adopt- 
ing certain  plans  submitted  by  Thomas  U.  Wal- 
ter, Esq.,  architect.  "On  motion,  resolved, 
that  the  committee  be  authorized  to  carry  into 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  249 

effect  the  plans  reported  by  them."  The  im- 
provements were  commenced  in  June  follow- 
ing. 

February  12.  A  letter  was  laid  before  the 
vestry,  from  Miss  Sarah  Hutchins,  together  with 
the  title  deeds  for  a  ground  rent  for  $1066f 
principal,  or  $64  per  annum,  together  with  one 
year's  interest  due  on  the  same,  a  donation 
from  her  to  Christ  Church ;  "  which,"  she  says, 
"  I  give  to  this  venerable  church  in  consequence 
of  my  strong  attachment  to  it.  This  gift  to  be 
disposed  and  taken  care  of  by  the  vestry,  so  as 
to  promote  the  best  interests  of  the  church.  I 
request  this  gift  to  form  the  basis  of  a  school  fund 
under  the  hope,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  that  it 
may  in  time,  with  the  assistance  of  other  gifts 
to  the  same  fund,  enable  the  church  to  own  a 
suitable  place  for  the  schools  of  the  church." 
The  vestry  passed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Miss 
Hutchins,  for  her  very  munificent  gift. 

June  1.  The  largest,  or  tenor  bell  in  the 
chime,  fell  during  the  winter  of  1834-5,  and 
was  broken ;  it  was  therefore  necessary  to  have 
it  sent  to  England,  to  be  recast  at  the  same 
foundry  in  London,  where  it  was  originally 
made,  more  than  eighty  years  before.  The 
treble  bell  was  sent  out  with  it,  to  enable 
the  founder  to  give  the  new  bell  the  proper 


250  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

tone.  They  had  now  been  returned,  and  placed 
in  the  steeple  ;  and  the  committee,  to  whom  the 
matter  was  entrusted,  "  congratulate  the  vestry 
and  congregation  on  the  success  of  Thomas 
Mears,  of  London,  in  giving  us  a  bell,  hand- 
some in  shape,  and  superior  in  tone  to  the  old 
bell."  The  committee  also  "  state  to  vestry,  the 
good  feeling  and  interest  manifested  to  our 
church  and  city,  by  Messrs.  Harrold  &  Sons, 
of  Birmingham,  and  Messrs.  Thomas  and  John 
D.  Thornly,  of  Liverpool,  in  their  correspond- 
ence ;  obtaining  the  permission  of  the  British 
government  for  importing  and  exporting,  to  and 
from  England,  the  two  bells  free  of  duty ;  re- 
ceiving and  forwarding,  and  having  the  broken 
one  re-cast,  without  any  charge  of  commissions, 
or  interest  on  advances.  The  wThole  amount 
of  expenses,  from  the  taking  down,  to  the  being 
replaced  in  the  steeple,  is  about  $375." 

July  17.  The  venerable  Bishop  White,  rec- 
tor of  Christ  Church,  St.  Peter's  and  St.  James's, 
departed  this  life,  in  the  89th  year  of  his  age. 
The  interesting  circumstances  attending  his  de- 
cease, are  thus  narrated  by  his  biographer,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Wilson. 

"On  Sunday,  the  17th  of  July,  between  eleven 
and  twelve  o'clock,  a.  m.,  during  the  morning 
worship  of  the  church,  and  soon  after  the  prayer 
had  as  usual  been  offered  for  him,  and  probably 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  251 

at  the  very  time  when,  from  some  of  the 
churches,  it  was  ascending  on  his  behalf  before 
the  throne  of  God,  surrounded  by  his  own  fam- 
ily, composed  of  his  son,  his  only  surviving 
child,  and  his  grand-children,  who  had  paid  to 
him  unwearied  attention,  (his  other  friends  who 
were  usually  with  him  having  gone  to  attend 
the  public  worship,)  he  expired  without  a  sigh 
or  groan,  so  calmly,  that  the  period  of  his  disso- 
lution could  not  be  marked  by  his  attendants.* 
"  On  the  day  of  his  funeral,  there  was  volunta- 
rily a  general  suspension  of  business.  In  par- 
ticular, the  stores  were  for  the  most  part  closed 
in  the  streets  through  which  the  procession  was 
to  pass,  as  were  many  also  in  other  parts  of  the 
city.  The  public  authorities,  the  various  lite- 
rary, charitable  and  religious  bodies,  the  clergy 
and  members  of  the  different  christian  churches, 
united  in  paying  respect  to  his  memory.  And 
the  good  order  and  silence  of  the  many  thou- 
sands who  thronged  the  streets,  besides  the 
great  number  composing  the  funeral  proces- 
sion, were  a  striking  manifestation  of  the  pub- 
lic sentiments."! 

*  The  bishop's  death  took  place  at  his  dwelling-house  in  Walnut 
street,  No.  89,  above  Third  street.  It  had  been  his  residence  since  his 
return  from  England,  in  1787,  after  his  consecration  ;  more  than  fifty 
years. 

t  Rev.  Dr.  Wilson's  Memoir  of  Bishop  White,  p.  267,  268. 


252  HISTORICAL      ACCOUNT 

The  following  account  of  the  funeral  solem- 
nities, is  taken  from  "  The  Missionary,"  a  reli- 
gious journal  of  that  day,  published  in  Burling- 
ton, New  Jersey. 

FUNERAL  OBSEQUIES. 

The  funeral  of  Bishop  White  took  place,  from  his  late 
dwelling,  89  Walnut  street,  on  Wednesday  morning,  July 
20,  1836.  The  arrangements  were  admirably  directed  by 
Isaac  Roach,  Esq.,  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 

The  procession  formed  but  a  small  part  of  the  immense 
concourse  of  persons  who  were  collected  to  pay  their  last 
tokens  of  respect  to  the  deceased  and  universally  beloved 
bishop.  It  has  been  estimated  that  upwards  of  twenty 
thousand  persons  were  congregated  to  participate  in  the 
mournful  rites  of  the  occasion. 

The  following  was  the  order  of  the  procession, — 

Sextons. 

Rev.  Dr.  De  Lancey,  Rev.  Messrs.  Sheets  and  James, 

as   the    officiating    Clergy. 

Bishop  of  the  Diocese. 

Rev.  Mr.  Bull,  f  g]  35  (  £}  Rev.  Dr.  Abercrombie, 

Rt.  R.  Dr.  M'Coskry,<!  £  Y  1  1  I  J-Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Kemper, 

I  "  I  ■  *   I S  j 
Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Doane,    [  |  j  V  [g  j  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Bowen. 

Family. 

Physician  to  the  Family. 

Clergy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  as  Mourners. 

Wardens  of  Christ  Church,  St.  Peter's  and 

St.  James's,  as  Mourners. 

Vestrymen  of  the  same,  as  Mourners. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  253 

Standing  Committee  of  the  Diocese  of  Pennsylvania, 

as  Mourners. 

The  Clergy  of  various  Denominations. 

Wardens   and  Vestrymen   of  the    Protestant   Espiscopal 

Churches. 

Candidates  for  Holy  Orders. 

Trustees  and  Faculty  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

Governor  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

Judges  of  the  United  States  and  State  Courts. 

American  Philosophical  Society. 

Mayor,    Recorder,    and    Aldermen. 

Select  and  Common  Councils. 

Protestant    Episcopal    Academy. 

Society  for  the  Advancement  of  Christianity  in 

Pennsylvania. 

Protestant   Episcopal  Diocesan  Sunday  School  Society. 

Bishop  White  Prayer-book  Society. 

Philadelphia  Bible   Society. 

Prison  Discipline  Society. 

Pennsylvania  Institution  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb. 

Institution   for   the    Blind. 

Philadelphia  Dispensary. 

Other  Institutions  with  which  the  Bishop  was  connected. 

Episcopalians. 

Citizens. 

Large  numbers  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  were  in  atten- 
dance. We  noticed  among  them,  many  from  the  towns 
in  the  immediate  vicinity,  and  also  from  New  York  and 
Baltimore.  The  Right  Rev.  Bishops  Bowen  of  South 
Carolina,  Onderdonk  of  Pennsylvania,  Doane  of  New-Jer- 
sey, Kemper,  Missionary  Bishop  for  Missouri  and  Indiana, 
and  McCoskry  of  Michigan,  were  present.  The  Right 
Rev.  Bishops  Bowen,  Doane,  Kemper,  and  McCoskry,  at- 

22 


254  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

tended  as  pall-bearers,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Abercrom- 
bie  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bull,  two  of  the  oldest  presbyters 
present. 

All  the  Episcopal  Clergy  were  habited  in  their  official 
robes  and  attended  as  mourners.  A  large  number  of  the 
city  clergy  wore,  in  addition  to  their  robes,  a  black  scarf 
as  a  badge  of  mourning.  Besides  the  clergy  of  the  Epis- 
copal church,  there  were  collected  a  great  number  of  min- 
isters of  other  christian  denominations.  Nearly  the  whole 
of  the  church  was  filled  with  the  clergy  and  vestries  of  the 
various  churches. 

The  procession  having  arrived  at  Christ  Church,  where 
the  services  were  to  be  performed,  the  body  of  the  venera- 
ble man  was  placed  in  the  middle  aisle  before  the  chancel. 
The  church,  which  was  undergoing  repairs,  had  been  ar- 
ranged with  great  propriety  and  fitness,  under  the  direction 
of  a  committee  of  the  vestry,  for  the  solemnities  of  the 
occasion,  and  was  hung  with  the  sable  habiliments  of  wo. 
Indeed,  the  effect  was  heightened  by  the  partially  disman- 
tled state  in  which  the  building  was,  as  harmonizing  with 
the  scene;  while  the  substitution  of  benches  for  the  high 
and  inconvenient  pews,  afforded  greater  accommodation  to 
the  numerous  audience,  which  it  displayed  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage. The  introductory  sentences  were  read  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Sheets,  the  services  in  the  church  were  conducted 
by  the  Rev.  Dr.  De  Lancey,  and  a  sermon  was  preached 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  H.  U.  Onderdonk,  from  the  1st  Job,  8th  : 
"  Hast  thou  considered  my  servant  Job,  that  there  is  none 
like  him  in  the  earth,  a  perfect  and  an  upright  man,  one 
that  feareth  God  and  escheweth  evil  ?"  After  the  sermon 
was  delivered,  the  procession  proceeded  to  the  family  vault 
of  the  bishop,  in  the  grave-yard  adjoining  the  Church, 
where  the  body  of  the  lamented  patriarch  was  returned, 
"  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust,"  to  slumber  till 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  255 

the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  The  service  at  the  grave 
was  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  James,  assistant  minister 
of  the  church. 

On  the  day  after  the  bishop's  decease,  a  meeting  of  the 
clergy  in  Philadelphia  and  the  vicinity,  was  held  in  St. 
Stephen's  church,  at  which,  with  those  of  the  city,  were 
present,  the  bishop  of  New  Jersey,  the  Rev.  Professor 
Turner,  of  New  York,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Russell  of  Dela- 
ware. The  bishop  of  the  diocese  presided.  Resolutions 
of  condolence  with  the  family  were  passed  ;  as  also  to  at- 
tend the  funeral  as  mourners,  and  to  wear  crape  on  the  hat, 
and  crape  scarfs  in  the  desk  for  six  months.  Resolutions 
of  condolence,  on  the  part  of  the  bishop  and  clergy  of  New 
York,  assembled  at  an  episcopal  visitation,  at  Rye,  and 
from  several  of  the  vestries  in  the  neighbouring  dioceses, 
have  already  come  in  ;  in  all  which  cases,  we  observe  the 
determination  to  hang  the  churches  with  black.  St.  Mary's 
Church,  in  this  city,  was  clad  in  mourning  weeds,  on  the 
Sunday  following,  when  Bishop  Doane  preached  a  sermon 
in  commemoration  of  the  senior  of  our  church,  from  Pro- 
vers  iv.  18.  "  The  path  of  the  just  is  like  the  shining 
light ;  which  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect 
day." 

July  21.  The  Rev.  John  W.  James,  the 
assistant  minister,  was  this  day  unanimously 
elected  rector  of  Christ  Church,  but  survived 
his  venerable  predecessor  only  four  weeks. 
While  the  church  was  undergoing  repairs,  Mr. 
James  embraced  the  opportunity  of  visiting  his 
family  and  friends  at  the  west,  and  had  reached 
Huntingdon,  upon  the  canal,  on   his  way  to 


256  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

Pittsburgh,  when  he  became  so  ill  that  he  was 
taken  to  an  inn,  where  he  died,  on  Sunday 
morning,  August  14th,  1836.  On  receiving  in- 
telligence of  his  death,  a  special  meeting  of  the 
vestry  was  called,  and  resolutions  were  passed 
expressive  of  their  deep  sorrow  for  the  sudden 
bereavement  which  the  church  had  sustained, 
and  their  high  estimation  of  the  piety,  talents, 
zeal  and  devotedness  of  their  late  estimable 
rector.  His  remains  were  removed  from  Hun- 
tingdon to  Philadelphia,  by  order  of  the  vestry, 
in  conformity  with  his  dying  request,  and  de- 
posited in  a  vault  upon  the  north  side  of  Christ 
Church  yard,  near  the  tomb  of  Bishop  White. 

December  7.  The  committee  on  the  repairs 
and  improvements  of  the  church,  report,  that 
the  work  is  now  completed,  and  that  divine 
worship  was  held  in  the  church  on  Sunday,  No- 
vember 27th,  the  Right  Rev.  Henry  U.  Onder- 
donk,  D.  D.  bishop  of  the  diocese,  officiating 
morning  and  afternoon. 

They  further  report,  that  the  whole  interior 
of  the  church  has  been  repaired,  the  walls  and 
ceiling  re-plastered,  the  floors,  galleries,  stairs 
and  pews  made  entirely  new  ;  the  wood  work, 
walls  and  ceiling,  painted  in  the  best  manner ; 
the  aisles,  stairs  and  passages,  covered  with 
carpets  ;  the  pews  lined  and  stuffed  with  curled 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  257 

hair ;  and  two  furnaces  constructed  under  the 
west  end  of  the  church  ;  and  that  the  whole 
work  has  been  done  as  near  the  plan  directed 
by  the  vestry  as  practicable. 

The  committee  on  repairs,  &c.  were  Moses 
Kempton,  John  White,  Ellis  Clark,  and  Bank- 
son  Taylor,  Esqrs. 

1837. 

February  2.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  this 
day,  the  death  of  Mr.  Bankson  Taylor  having 
been  announced,  it  was  "  Resolved,  that  this 
vestry  hold  in  grateful  remembrance  his  active 
and  useful  services  as  a  vestryman  of  this 
church,  and  sympathize  with  his  family  in  the 
loss  they  have  sustained." 

March  6.  At  a  special  meeting  held  this 
day,  "  the  committee  appointed  to  nominate  to 
vestry  a  suitable  person  as  rector  of  this  church, 
report  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Dorr  of  New  York, 
as  a  suitable  person  for  that  high  and  important 
office.  On  motion,  Resolved,  that  a  special 
meeting  be  called  for  Thursday  afternoon,  9th 
instant,  at  4  o'clock,  for  the  purpose  of  going  into 
the  election  of  a  rector." 

March  9.  "  On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the 
vestry  do  now  proceed  to  an  election  of  rector 
for  this  church,  (the  notices  having  stated  that 
22* 


258  HISTORICAL   ACCOUNT 

the  meeting  was  convened  for  that  purpose,) 
the  tellers  report,  on  counting  the  votes,  that 
there  were  ten  (the  whole  number  now  consti- 
tuting this  vestry,)  voting  for  the  Rev.  Benja- 
min Dorr,  of  New-York,  now  secretary  and 
general  agent  of  the  domestic  committee  of  the 
board  of  missions  of  the  protestant  Episcopal 
church ;  he  is  therefore  declared  unanimously 
elected  rector  of  this  church." 

"Resolved,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
proceed  to  Baltimore,  to  meet  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dorr,  who  is  to  be  there  by  appointment  on  the 
12th  instant,  and  inform  him  of  his  election, 
and  solicit  his  acceptance."  Messrs.  Kempton 
and  Nicklin  were  appointed  the  committee. 

March  25.  "  The  committee  appointed  by 
vestry  to  go  to  Baltimore  to  meet  the  Rev. 
Benjamin  Dorr,  and  to  notify  him  of  his  elec- 
tion to  the  office  of  rector  of  Christ  Church, 
report,  that  they  went  to  Baltimore  on  the 
eleventh  instant,  and  found  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dorr  had  changed  his  arrangements,  and  gone 
to  Virginia;  but  understanding  that  a  letter 
would  reach  him  at  Richmond,  they  wrote  to 
him  in  that  city,  informing  him  of  his  election 
and  of  the  proceedings  of  the  vestry  in  that 
matter.  A  copy  of  the  committee's  letter  ac- 
companies this  report." 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  259 

Baltimore,  March  12th  1837. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, 

You  will  fully  appreciate  the  feelings  of  anxious  concern, 
and  deep  religious  responsibility,  with  which  the  vestry  of 
Christ  Church  have  endeavoured  to  fulfil  the  duty  of  se- 
lecting a  successor  to  the  late  pious  and  venerable  Bishop 
White,  who  filled  the  office  of  rector  of  that  church  for  so 
many  years  ;  of  whom,  and  also  of  his  excellent  assistant 
and  successor,  the  church  was  last  year  deprived  by  death. 

For  some  months,  the  congregation  have  been  without 
the  aid  and  comfort  of  a  visible  shepherd,  and  have  anx- 
iously awaited  for  the  good  time  when  their  heavenly 
Father  would  vouchsafe  to  send  them  a  faithful  minister, 
to  lead  them  in  the  way  of  holiness. 

The  vestry,  impressed  with  the  belief  that  your  reli- 
gious, intellectual,  and  moral,  qualifications  are  such,  as  em- 
inently to  qualify  you  for  that  holy  office,  and  believing 
also,  that  the  hearts  of  the  congregation  are  ready  to  re- 
ceive you,  did,  on  the  9th  instant,  unanimously  elect  you 
rector  of  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia.* 

We  annex  the  proceedings  of  vestry  in  relation  to  your 
election,  and  earnestly  request  of  you  an  early  and  favour- 
able answer  to  our  letter. 

We  remain,  reverend  and  dear  Sir,  with  the  most  sin- 
cere respect  and  affection, 

Your  friends  and  servants, 

Moses  Kempton. 
Philip  H.  Nicklin. 
To  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Dorr, 

at  Richmond,  Va. 

*  That  part  of  the  Committee's  letter  which  relates  to  salary,  and 
other  pecuniary  matters,  is  omitted. 


260  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

u  This  morning,  the  committee  had  the  great 
satisfaction  of  receiving  from  Mr.  Dorr,  a  let- 
ter, communicating,  in  very  gratifying  terms, 
his  acceptance  of  the  office  of  rector  of  Christ 
Church ;  which  letter  accompanies  this  report." 

New  York,  March  23d,  1837. 
Gentlemen, 

Your  letter  of  the  12th  inst.,  informing  me  of  my  elec- 
tion to  the  rectorship  of  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia,  and 
enclosing  the  procedings  of  the  vestry  in  relation  to  the 
same,  was  received  by  me  in  Richmond,  Va. ;  and  I  has- 
tened home,  without  delay,  that  I  might  have  an  opportu- 
nity of  consulting  my  friends,  and  especially  my  esteemed 
diocesan,  on  a  matter  of  such  vast  importance.  After 
weighing  the  whole  subject,  with  great  deliberation,  and 
with  the  advice  of  those  whose  judgment  I  am  bound  to 
respect,  I  consider  it  plainly  my  duty  to  accept  the  invita- 
tion thus  tendered  me  through  you  :  and  I  beg  you  will 
communicate  this  my  acceptance  to  the  other  members  of 
your  vestry.  I  humbly  hope  that  the  Spirit  of  my  Divine 
Master  has  guided  me  to  a  right  decision ;  and  that  I  may 
not  be  an  unprofitable  labourer  in  that  field,  in  which  the 
pious  and  venerable  Bishop  White  laboured  successfully 
for  so  many  years,  and  where  my  very  dear  friend,  the 
lovely  and  beloved  James,  finished  his  brief  but  bright 
career. 

I  will  not  attempt  an  expression  of  the  feelings  with 
which  I  look  forward  to  this  new  and  interesting  con- 
nexion, with  a  people,  who  are  as  yet  strangers  to  me,  and 
to  whom  I  am  almost  entirely  unknown.  My  earnest  prayer, 
in  which  I  know  you  will  cordially  unite,  is,  that  neither 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  261 

people  nor  pastor  may  have  cause  to  regret  that  so  solemn 
a  tie  was  ever  formed.  On  their  kindness  and  indulgence 
I  confidently  rely ;  and  to  Him  who  has  promised  to  be 
with  his  ministers  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world, 
I  would  humbly  look  for  all  grace  and  strength,  to  fulfil  the 
duties  of  this  high  and  holy  trust. 

It  will  take  some  weeks  to  fulfil  my  present  official  en- 
gagements, and  to  make  the  necessary  preparations  for  the 
removal  of  my  family  to  your  city  ;  I  would  therefore 
name  the  first  Sunday  in  May,  as  the  earliest  day  in  which 
I  may  be  expected  to  enter  on  my  new  charge.  I  think  I 
can  be  with  you  then,  and  remain  with  you  until  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Board  of  missions,  in  June  ;  when  I  shall 
resign  to  them  the  office  I  now  hold. 

Next  week  I  return  to  Baltimore,  to  fulfil  my  appoint- 
ment there,  on  the  2d  of  April ;  and  hope  to  stop  a  day  in 
Philadelphia,  either  going  or  returning,  when  I  hope  to 
have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you.     In  the  mean  time,  I  am, 
very  respectfully,  and  affectionately,  yours, 

Benjamin  Dorr. 
Moses  Kempton. 
Philip  H.  Nicklin.  Esqrs. 

Committee  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia. 

"Ordered,  as  the  election  of  the  Reverend 
Benjamin  Dorr  is  now  consummated,  that  his  ac- 
ceptance of  the  same  be  published  to  the  con- 
gregation, on  Sunday  next,  from  the  desk,  in 
conformity  to  the  by-laws." 

April  26.  "  On  motion,  resolved,  that  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  of  this  diocese  be  re- 
quested to  appoint  a  time  for  the  institution  of 


262  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

the  Reverend  Benjamin  Dorr,  who  has  been 
elected  rector  of  this  church. 

"  On  motion,  resolved,  that  the  wardens  be 
appointed  to  confer  with  the  bishop  on  the 
subject." 

On  Ascension  day,  Thursday,  May  4th,  1837, 
Mr.  Dorr  was  instituted  into  the  office  of  rector 
of  Christ  Church,  by  the  Right  Reverend  Henry 
U.  Onderdonk,  D.  D.  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of 
Pennsylvania.  A  large  number  of  the  clergy 
were  present,  standing  without  the  rails  of  the 
altar,  and  with  the  wardens,  Moses  Kempton 
and  Philip  H.  Nicklin,Esqs.,  standing  on  the  right 
and  left  of  the  altar,  without  the  rails,  as  the 
rubric  directs,  took  part  in  the  interesting  ser- 
vices. Morning  prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev. 
William  H.  De  Lancey,  D.  D.,  rector  of  St. 
Peter's  Church;  the  keys  were  presented  in  the 
name  and  behalf  of  the  church,  by  Moses 
Kempton,  Esq.,  and  the  sermon  was  preached 
by  the  bishop.  The  communion  was  after- 
wards administered  by  the  rector,  assisted  by 
the  Bishop  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  De  Lancey.  Every 
part  of  the  church  was  filled  with  an  attentive 
audience. 

The  whole  services  of  the  day  were  very  impres- 
sive ;  and  were  rendered  the  more  interesting 
from  the  fact,  that  this  was  the  first  time  the 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  263 

office  of  institution  had  been  performed  in 
Christ  Church ;  the  former  incumbent  having 
been  elected  rector,  many  years  before  this 
office  was  framed. 

June  17.  The  vestry  pass  a  resolution,  that 
it  is  expedient  to  repair  the  exterior  of  the 
church,  paint  the  steeple,  &c,  and  put  a  metal- 
lic covering  on  the  roof. 

September  6.  A  committee  is  appointed  to 
superintend  the  erection  in  the  church,  of  a 
tablet,  which  the  ladies  of  the  congregation 
had  procured,  to  the  memory  of  the  Rev.  John 
W.  James,  the  late  rector. 

October  11.  A  plan  for  systematic  collec- 
tions in  church  was  submitted  to  the  vestry  by 
Mr.  Binney,  and  unanimously  adopted.  The 
rector  was  requested  to  write  an  address,  to  be 
printed  with  the  plan,  and  distributed  among 
the  congregation. 

The  address  and  plan  are  as  follows: 

TO  THE  CONGREGATION  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH. 

Dear  Brethren, 
Ever  since  I  was  settled  as  pastor  over  you,  it  has  been 
a  subject  of  anxious  thought,  in  what  way  you  could  best 
fulfil  that  apostolic  precept,  "  As  we  have  opportunity,  let 
us  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially  to  them  who  are  of  the 
household  of  faith."  How  to  afford  you  this  "  opportunity" 
of  contributing  of  your  worldly  substance,  to  the  various 


264  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

institutions  and  enterprises  of  the  church  which  claim  your 
aid,  so  as  best  to  promote  your  own  spiritual  welfare,  at 
the  same  time  that  you  were  relieving  the  necessities  of 
your  brethren,  was  the  inquiry  which  pressed  most 
seriously  on  my  mind.  Separate  collections  made  for 
each  individual  church  object,  besides  being  so  frequent 
as  to  become  troublesome,  have  never  answered  the  end 
designed.  The  amount  contributed  in  this  way  has  been 
so  very  small,  and  liable  to  so  many  fluctuations,  that  our 
religious  and  benevolent  institutions  have  been  greatly  para- 
lyzed in  their  efforts,  and  sometimes  have  been  compelled 
to  suspend  their  operations  altogether.  On  this  account  it 
has  been  recommended  "  that  the  contributions  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church  be  made,  as  far  as  shall  be  convenient, 
upon  some  plan  of  systematic  charity ;  that  their  effect 
may  be  the  greater,  and  that  their  continuance  may  be  the 
more  relied  on."  Agreeably  to  this  recommendation,  and 
from  a  full  persuasion  of  its  importance  and  necessity,  the 
churches  generally  throughout  the  United  States  are  adopt- 
ing plans  of  systematic  charity,  and  the  result  has  shown, 
that  this  is  the  only  true  method  of  affording  to  our  reli- 
gious institutions  a  certain,  steady,  and  permanent  supply 
of  funds.  Having  deliberately  and  carefully  weighed  the 
advantages  of  such  plans  as  have  fallen  within  my  own  ob- 
servation, the  following  was  submitted  to  the  vestry,  and, 
meeting  with  their  unanimous  approbation,  is  now  affection- 
ately and  earnestly  commended  to  your  regard. 

PLAN. 

1.  The  collections  in  the  church  shall  be  made  four 
times  in  each  year  for  church  objects;  namely,  in  the 
months  of  October,  January,  April  and  June. 

2.  The  proceeds  of  the  October  collection  shall  be  appro- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  265 

priated  to  Sunday  school  purposes,  parochial,  diocesan,  and 
general. 

3.  The  proceeds  of  the  January  collection  shall  be 
appropriated  to  missionary  purposes,  diocesan  and  general. 

4.  The  proceeds  of  the  April  collection  shall  be  appro- 
priated to  the  church  societies,  for  the  distribution  of 
bibles  and  prayer  books,  for  education,  and  for  the  general 
seminary. 

5.  The  proceeds  of  the  June  collection  shall  be  appro- 
priated to  the  episcopal  and  convention  funds,  to  aiding  new 
churches,  and  to  parish  objects. 

6.  The  moneys  raised  by  these  collections  shall  be  de- 
posited with  the  accounting  warden :  they  shall  be  appor- 
tioned among  the  different  objects,  by  the  rector  and  a 
committee  of  vestry  appointed  for  that  purpose  ;  and  the 
accounting  warden  shall  pay  over  the  same  upon  the  order 
of  the  rector  and  chairman  of  the  committee. 

7.  The  said  warden  shall  also  receive  all  moneys  sent  to 
him  by  members  of  the  congregation,  or  others,  for  objects 
of  charity  prescribed  by  the  donor,  which  shall  be  applied 
by  the  rector  and  said  committee  accordingly ;  or  if  general 
donations  be  made  without  prescribing  the  object,  they 
shall  be  applied  by  the  rector  and  said  committee  to  such 
church  objects  as  they  may  deem  most  fitting. 

8.  On  all  occasions  of  collections  in  the  church,  a  ser- 
mon or  an  address  shall  be  delivered,  explanatory  of  the 
objects  for  which  the  collection  is  to  be  made. 

9.  An  annual  statement  of  the  amounts  thus  contributed 
and  disbursed,  shall  be  reported  by  the  rector  to  the  dio- 
cesan convention,  and  shall  also  be  made  known  to  the  con- 
gregation. 

10.  Collections  for  the  relief  of  the  poor  shall  be  made 
by  order  of  the  vestry  whenever  occasion  shall  require. 

23 


266  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

The  above  plan,  in  its  most  essential  features,  was  first 
introduced  among  his  own  congregation,  by  my  reverend 
brother,*  the  rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  and  after  a  year's 
trial,  it  has  been  found  to  work  well.  As  a  proof  of  its 
efficiency,  the  following  facts  are  submitted.  The  aver- 
age amount  of  all  the  collections  in  that  church,  for  three 
years  preceding  the  introduction  of  this  plan,  was  less  than 
$500  per  annum  ;  while  each  quarterly  collection  for  the 
past  year  has  more  than  averaged  that  sum.  The  first 
quarterly  collection,  in  January,  was  $540  ;  the  second,  in 
April,  $542  ;  the  third,  in  June,  $404 ;  the  fourth,  in 
October,  $570 ;  making  a  total  amount  of  collections  in 
the  church,  in  one  year,  by  this  systematic  mode,  of  $2056. 
Besides  the  church  collections,  there  was  sent  to  the  ac- 
counting warden,  as  treasurer  for  these  objects,  at  different 
times,  between  three  and  four  hundred  dollars,  to  be  appor- 
tioned by  the  vestry  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
this  plan. 

Here,  then,  we  have  the  most  satisfactory  evidence  that 
the  system  is  a  good  one.  And  can  we  doubt,  dear  brethren, 
that  it  may  be  made  equally  efficient  among  ourselves  ? 

The  advantages  of  the  plan  are  these  : — 

1.  It  is  perfectly  simple  ;  possessing  all  the  benefits  of 
an  organized  society,  without  the  evils  too  often  attending 
its  complicated  machinery.  It,  in  fact,  makes  the  parish 
itself  the  society ;  and  embraces  every  individual  in  it,  old 
and  young,  rich  and  poor. 

2.  It  brings  all  the  institutions  of  the  church  before  the 
congregation,  and  enables  them  to  contribute  something  to 
each  of  them  ;  while  any  person  is  at  liberty  to  show  his 
preference,  by  contributing  more  liberally  to  some  than  to 
others. 

*  The  Reverend  Doctor  De  Lancey. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  267 

3.  It  enables  each  one  to  contribute  according  to  his 
ability,  and  as  lie  is  disposed  in  heart,  without  ostentation, 
and  without  the  possibility  of  invidious  comparisons.  The 
poor  widow  casts  in  her  two  mites,  while  the  rich  man 
casts  in  of  his  abundance  ;  and  no  eye  regards  it  but  His, 
who  seeth  the  heart,  and  who  looketh  not  at  the  amount  of 
our  charities,  but  at  the  motive  which  prompted  them. 

4.  It  secures  a  steady,  permanent  supply,  to  the  treasury 
of  the  Lord;  instead  of  that  fitful,  changeable,  and  uncer- 
tain support,  which  depends  on  occasional  contributions 
and  direct  personal  appeals. 

5.  "  It  casts  upon  your  pastor  and  his  people,"  as  my 
reverend  brother,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  this  plan, 
justly  observes,  "  the  obligations  of  their  appropriate 
spheres.  It  belongs  to  him  to  urge  the  motives  of  duty, 
and  the  true  principles  of  benevolence  in  these  matters, 
upon  all  the  congregation  ;  to  unfold  and  explain  the  sev- 
eral objects  of  christian  enterprise  in  which  the  church  is 
engaged  ,-  and  to  set  before  you  their  respective  claims, 
with  all  such  information  in  regard  to  them,  as  may  excite 
you  to  an  intelligent  and  liberal  support  of  our  church 
institutions.  It  belongs  to  you,  my  brethren,  remember- 
ing your  obligations  to  the  most  High  God,  and  His  Son 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  cherish  the  spirit  of  benevo- 
lence in  your  hearts ;  to  display  it  in  your  conduct ;  and 
both  individually  and  as  a  parish;,  with  the  other  churches 
in  the  land,  to  bear  your  full  share  in  sustaining  the  church 
of  Christ  in  her  efforts  to  promote  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  salvation  of  men." 

It  will  be  perceived  that  by  the  above  plan,  all  members 
of  the  congregation,  "  young  men  and  maidens,  old  men 
and  children,"  are  to  consider  it  a  privilege  to  give  some- 
thing for  the  objects  here  proposed.  It  is  also  hoped  and 
expected,  that  each  one  will  give  as  he  is  able  ;  the  rich 


268  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

contributing  of  their  abundance,  and  the  poor  of  their  pen- 
ury. The  apostolic  injunction  is,  that  each  one  give  as  God 
hath  prospered  him.  Nothing  can  be  more  just  and 
equitable  than  this  rule.  It  is  applicable  to  all  persons,  at 
all  times,  under  all  circumstances.  That  bountiful  Being 
from  whom  all  blessings  flow,  only  requires  that  we  give 
him  back  through  the  persons  of  our  needy  fellow-creatures, 
in  exact  proportion  to  the  ability  which  He  himself  hath 
bestowed  ;  he  that  hath  much,  to  give  plenteously  ;  he  that 
hath  little,  to  do  his  diligence  gladly  to  give  of  that  little. 
We  are,  my  christian  friends,  God's  stewards ;  the  riches 
or  the  talents  which  he  hath  lent  us  are  not  ours,  but  His  ; 
and  for  the  use  we  make  of  them  He  will  hereafter  call  us 
to  a  strict  account.  It  is  an  acknowledged  truth  that 
"None  of  us  liveth  to  himself;"  that  "we  are  notour 
own ;  for  we  are  bought  with  a  price ;"  and  therefore  are 
bound  to  consecrate,  first  ourselves,  and  then  our  substance, 
to  the  bountiful  Giver  of  all  good,  to  our  Creator,  Redeemer 
and  sanctifier. 

Let  us  keep  ever  in  mind  these  solemn  responsibilities ; 
and  do  "  whatsoever  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  with  all  our 
might."  Let  us  remember  those  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
how  he  said,  "  It  is  more  blessed  to  give,  than  to  re- 
ceive." As  one  deeply  solicitous  that  you  should  in  all 
respects  walk  worthy  of  your  high  vocation,  I  would  affec- 
tionately urge  upon  you,  beloved  brethren,  a  conscientious 
attention  to  this  duty.  Knowing  that  you  are  to  be  called 
upon  only  four  times  in  each  year,  for  contributions  to  all 
church  objects  of  every  kind,  you  will,  I  trust,  give  as 
much  on  each  occasion  as  your  circumstances  will  allow ; 
you  will  give  as  God  hath  prospered  you,  "  not  of 
constraint,  but  willingly  ;  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver." 

With  my  fervent  prayers  that  the  blessings  of  Him, 
"  from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  ^  269 

just  works  do  proceed,"  may  rest  upon  this  and  upon  all 
our  undertakings,  and   that  you   may  finally  attain  to  the 
reward  of  "  good  and  faithful  servants"  of  Christ, 
I  remain, 

Affectionately  and  truly, 

Your  friend  and  pastor, 

Benjamin  Dorr. 
Philadelphia,  October  16,  1837. 

1838. 

April  20.  "  The  executors  of  the  late  Henry 
Pratt,  Esq.,  having  communicated  to  the  vestry 
certain  extracts  from  his  will,  bequeathing  an 
annuity  of  one  hundred  dollars  to  Christ  Church, 
for  the  term  of  twelve  years ;  an  annuity  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  for  the  same 
term,  to  be  applied  to  the  support  of  the  Sun- 
day schools  connected  with  said  church  ;  and 
the  sum  of  three  thousand  dollars,  payable  in 
the  bonds  of  said  church ;  Resolved,  that  the 
vestry  express  to  the  executors  of  Mr.  Pratt 
their  sense  of  his  bounty  to  the  church,  and  to 
the  Sunday  schools  connected  with  it ;  and  the 
affectionate  respect  in  which  they  hold  his 
memory,  as  a  vestryman  of  this  church  for 
many  years,  a  bountiful  friend  of  the  church, 
and  its  judicious  and  faithful  counsellor,  upon 
all  occasions." 

September  5.     Mr.  Kempton  presented  to 
23* 


270  HISTORICAL      ACGOUNT 

the  church  an  engraved  likeness  of  the  late 
Henry  Pratt,  Esq.,  neatly  framed,  with  a  request 
that  it  might  he  hung  up  in  the  vestry-room,  in 
order  that  Mr.  Pratt,  and  his  bounty,  might 
always  be  kept  in  grateful  remembrance.  The 
thanks  of  the  vestry  were  presented  to  Mr. 
Kempton  for  his  gift,  and  the  portrait  was  or- 
dered to  be  hung  up  in  the  vestry-room,  as  he 
requested. 

The  committee  on  repairs,  laid  before  the 
vestry  a  report  in  reference  to  a  survey  of 
Christ  Church  steeple,  which  report  will  be 
found  in  the  Appendix. 

December  5.  The  committee  "  appointed  to 
have  the  exterior  of  the  church  repaired,"  re- 
port, that  there  had  been  put  upon  it  "  a  cop- 
per roof  of  the  best  quality,  and  in  the  most 
substantial  manner ;"  that  "  the  balustrade  is 
entirely  new,"  and  that  the  urns  thereon,  "  for- 
merly of  wood,  have  been  replaced  by  others 
similar  in  design,  but  of  a  material  inferior  only 
to  stone  in  appearance  and  durability ;"  that 
the  flooring  at  the  eight  windows,  and  every 
projection  of  the  steeple,  is  coppered  ;  that  the 
whole  exterior  wood  work  of  the  church  has 
been  covered  with  three  coats  of  paint ;  and 
that  the  mitre,  vane  and  balls  have  had  two 
coats  of  gilding.     The  committee  say  in  con- 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  271 

elusion,  that  "  the  magnitude  of  the  repairs  has 
involved  an  expense  much  greater  than  was 
contemplated  before  the  work  was  commenced. 
The  strictest  economy  was  observed,  with  a 
determination  to  have  every  part  of  the  work 
done  in  the  best  and  most  substantial  manner ; 
that  this  venerable  church  may  be  preserved, 
for  generations  yet  to  come,  for  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  those  who  worship  here,  and  for  the 
honor  of  our  city."  The  whole  amount  of  the 
bills  for  these  repairs  was  $7616.  99.  The 
committee  consisted  of  Moses  Kempton,  James 
Y.  Humphreys,  and  Job  Bacon,  Esqs. 

1839. 

June  5.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  of  Christ 
Church,  held  on  the  5th  June,  1839,  the  follow- 
ing communication  was  laid  before  the  vestry. 

To  the  wardens  and  vestrymen  of 
Christ  Church,  Philadelphia. 

Gentlemen :  I  take  the  earliest  opportunity 
to  inform  you,  that  I  have  this  day  declined 
accepting  the  office  of  bishop  of  the  diocese  of 
Maryland,  to  whicjh,  as  you  are  aware,  the  con- 
vention of  that  diocese,  at  their  late  annual 
meeting,  elected  me. 

After  giving  the    subject  my  most   serious 


272  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

consideration,  with  fervent  prayers  that  Divine 
grace  would  guide  me  to  a  right  decision,  I 
feel  that  it  is  my  solemn  duty,  as  well  as  my 
greatest  pleasure  and  privilege,  to  continue  in 
the  station  which  I  now  occupy. 

With  the  fullest  confidence  that  you  will 
approve  of  my  decision  in  this  matter, 

I  remain,  very  affectionately  and  truly, 
your  friend  and  pastor, 

Benjamin  Dorr. 
Philadelphia,  June  5th,  1839. 

The  foregoing  communication  from  the  rec- 
tor was  referred  to  a  committee,  (Messrs.  Bin- 
ney  and  Nicklin,)  to  report  to  vestry  suitable 
resolutions  expressing  the  feelings  of  vestry  on 
this  event. 

The  report  of  the  committee,  and  the  reso- 
lutions of  the  vestry,  at  their  next  meeting,  were 
printed  and  distributed  among  the  congrega- 
tion, by  order  of  the  vestry.  The  first  resolu- 
tion is  as  follows,  viz : 

"  Resolved,  That  in  declining  the  office  of 
bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Maryland,  the  vestry 
have  a  perfect  confidence,  that  the  rector  has 
weighed  the  various  considerations  which  ought 
to  have  influenced  the  decision,  in  a  spirit  of 
fidelity  to  his  ministerial  duties  of  every  de- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  273 

scription ;  and  that  they  are  most  happy  to 
learn  that  he  has  found  they  can  be  reconciled 
with  his  affectionate  solicitude  for  the  flock 
which  has  been  confided  to  him  in  this  parish, 
and  with  his  continuance  in  the  diocese  of 
Pennsylvania." 

1840. 

March  7.  At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry,  "  the 
rector  represented  that  a  plate,  paten  and  cup 
are  necessary  to  be  added  to  the  communion 
set  of  this  church,  for  the  more  convenient  ad- 
ministration of  the  Lord's  supper  ;  and  it  hav- 
ing been  further  represented,  that  the  piece  of 
plate  inscribed  "Mrs.  Sarah  Redman  to  Christ 
Church  communion  table,  1825,"  and  also  the 
large  silver  vessel,  which  has  no  inscription 
upon  it,  and  the  donor's  name  is  not  known, 
are  in  their  present  form  entirely  useless ;  it 
was  therefore  unanimously  agreed,  that  the 
rector  be  authorized  to  have  the  piece  of  plate, 
presented  by  Mrs.  Redman,  converted  into  a 
plate  and  paten,  and  each  of  them  to  bear  the 
inscription,  which  that  piece  now  bears  ;  that 
they  may  remain  as  memorials  of  her  pious 
munificence,  and  be  used  for  the  holy  purposes 
for  which  her  gift  was  originally  designed.  It 
was  further  unanimously  agreed,  that  the  rec- 


274  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

tor  be  authorized  to  have  the  large  silver  ves- 
sel, which  has  no  inscription  upon  it,  converted 
into  a  communion  cup  similar  to  the  one  which 
was  presented  to  Christ  Church,  by  Queen 
Ann,  in  1708,  that  so  it  may  be  usefully  ap- 
plied to  the  purpose  for  which  its  unknown 
donor  designed  it;  and  that  this  cup  be  in- 
scribed "  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia." 

The  rector  caused  the  above  named  articles 
to  be  manufactured  by  Mr.  Thomas  Fletcher ; 
who  certified,  that  the  paten  and  plate  were 
made  from  the  identical  silver  vase  presented 
by  Mrs.  Sarah  Redman  ;  and  that  the  cup  was 
made  from  the  silver  vessel  without  name  or 
date  upon  it ;  and  that  there  was  no  other 
material  used  in  the  manufacture  of  these  arti- 
cles. For  a  particular  description  of  the  com- 
munion plate,  see  Appendix. 

November  26.  The  remains  of  General 
Hugh  Mercer,  who  fell  at  the  battle  of  Prince- 
ton, January  3,  1777,  were  this  day  removed, 
by  permission  of  the  vestry,  from  Christ  Church 
yard,  where  they  had  reposed  since  the  revolu- 
tion ;  and  were  taken,  with  much  civic  cere- 
mony, to  Laurel  hill,  where  a  monument  had 
been  erected  to  General  Mercer's  memory,  by 
the  St.  Andrew's  society. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  275 

1841. 

April  20.  Funeral  solemnities  were  this 
day  celebrated  in  honour  of  William  Henry 
Harrison,  late  president  of  the  United  States, 
who  died  at  the  seat  of  government,  on  Sunday, 
April  4th,  1841.  On  this  occasion  an  immense 
civic  and  military  procession  was  formed  under 
the  direction  of  Joseph  R.  Ingersoll,  Esq.  chief 
marshal  for  the  day,  in  front  of  Independence 
Hall,  and  proceeded  from  thence,  through  the 
principal  streets  of  the  city,  to  Christ  Church, 
where  an  able  and  eloquent  funeral  sermon, 
from  the  appropriate  words  of  David,  "  Man 
being  in  honour  abideth  not,"#  was  pronounced 
by  the  Right  Rev.  Henry  U.  Onderdonk,  D.  D. 
the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  at  the  request  of  the 
city  councils. 

The  muffled  bells  were  rungt  while  the  pro- 
cession was  moving.  The  church  was  most 
tastefully  hung  with  the  customary  habiliments 
of  mourning.  As  the  procession  entered  the 
church,  the  organ  sent  forth  its  full  deep  toned 
peals.  The  burial  service  was  read  by  the 
bishop;  and  an  efficient  choir,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Mr.  Standbridge,  the  organist  of  Christ 
Church,  sang  several  appropriate  hymns  and 
anthems.  The  bishop's  discourse  was  lis- 
tened to  with  profound  attention ;  and  the  so- 

*  Psalm,  xlix.  12. 


276  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

lemnity  which  pervaded  the  vast  assembly,  told 
how  deeply,  how  universally,  the  loss  of  our 
venerable  chief  magistrate  was  felt  and  de- 
plored. We  doubt  not,  many  went  from  the 
house  of  God,  deeply  impressed  with  the  truth 
of  the  preacher's  text,  that  "Man  being  in 
honour  abideth  not." 

conclusion. 

Having  traced  the  history  of  this  church, 
through  all  its  vicissitudes,  for  the  long  period 
of  one  hundred  and  forty-six  years,  it  is  not 
without  many  mournful  feelings  that  the  writer 
brings  it  to  a  close.  He  has  been  reviewing 
the  labours  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  some 
of  whom  preceded  him  more  than  a  century 
ago,  in  this  portion  of  his  Master's  vineyard. 
Both  the  ministers  and  their  flocks  have  gone 
to  render  up  their  respective  accounts.  To  the 
present  incumbent  of  this  ancient  and  venerable 
church,  the  reflection  comes  with  much  of  pleas- 
ing sadness,  that  some  faithful  pen  may  take  up 
and  continue  this  history,  long  after  the  hand 
which  records  this  has  mouldered  into  dust.  The 
church  has  survived  nearly  five  generations  of 
men ;  and  it  will  probably  survive  as  many 
more.  And  after  the  lapse  of  another  century, 
those  who  shall  then  be  worshipping  within  its 


OF    CHRIST    CHURCH.  277 

hallowed  courts,  will  probably  review  the  record 
of  our  acts,  with  the  same  interest  that  we 
now  review  the  acts  of  those  who  first  reared 
this  goodly  structure. 

If  this  history  shall  serve  to  awaken  any  new 
and  hallowed  associations,  or  to  deepen  those 
which  already  exist,  it  will  not  have  been 
without  its  use.  There  is  a  chord  of  tender 
feeling,  which  will  be  found  to  vibrate  in  the 
bosom  of  every  one  who  reflects,  that  here  so 
many  generations  have  worshipped,  and  that, 
beneath  its  aisles,  and  around  its  walls,  the 
ashes  of  multitudes  of  these  now  repose  in 
peace  and  safety.  To  borrow  the  words  o 
one  who  well  knew  how  to  prize  such  hallowed 
associations,  and  who  has  expressed  his  feel- 
ings in  language  admirably  suited  to  the  pre- 
sent subject  ;#  "  Many,  we  trust,  who  frequent- 
ed its  courts  in  the  days  of  their  pilgrimage, 
were  made  meet  for  the  worship  of  a  temple, 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
At  this  sacred  font,  many  of  us  have  been  so- 
lemnly dedicated  to  the  service  of  our  Creator, 
and  made  members  of  his  visible  church.  Here, 
we  have  ratified  and  confirmed  our  baptismal 
engagements.     At   this   altar,  we   have  often 

*  Rev.  Dr.  Eaton's  centennial  sermon,  delivered  in  Christ  Church, 
Boston,  Sunday,  December  28th,  1823. 

24 


278  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

knelt  and  received  the  pledges  of  the  Redeem- 
er's love,  in  the  consecrated  symbols  of  his 
body  and  blood.  Here,  when  life's  silver  cord 
shall  be  broken,  we  hope  to  sleep  with  our  kin- 
dred and  friends,  till  the  morning  of  the  resur- 
rection, when,  at  the  sound  of  the  last  trump, 
we  shall  rise  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,  and  to 
serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple.  Asso- 
ciated with  so  many  impressive  and  interesting 
recollections  and  anticipations,  can  we  fail  to 
regard  this  sacred  temple  with  the  liveliest 
emotions  of  veneration  and  love  ?  Shall  we  not 
cherish  towards  it  kindred  sentiments  with  those 
of  the  Psalmist,  when  he  exclaimed,  "  If  I  for- 
get thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let  my  right  hand  for- 
get her  cunning.  If  I  do  not  remember  thee, 
let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth ; 
if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my  chief  joy  ?" 
"Influenced  by  these  sentiments,  we  shall  be 
solicitous  to  preserve,  as  much  as  possible,  this 
venerable  monument  of  the  zeal  and  piety  of  for- 
mer days,  from  the  ravages  of  time,  and  to  trans- 
mit it  unimpaired,  to  posterity.  Viewing  it  as  a 
sacred  deposite  committed  to  our  trust,  not 
merely  for  our  own  benefit,  but  for  that  of  future 
generations,  we  shall  be  anxious  that  it  may 
pass  from  our  hands,  under  circumstances  which 
shall  endear  it  to  their  affections,  and  recom- 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  279 

mend  it  to  their  support ;  bearing  the  impress 
of  our  liberality,  and  perpetuating  the  lustre  of 
our  example.  As  a  society,  we  shall  study  the 
things  that  make  for  peace.  The  only  conten- 
tion among  us  will  be  '  that  of  the  vine  and  the 
olive,  which  shall  bear  the  most  and  the  best 
fruit ;'  who  shall  do  most  to  advance  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  salvation  of  his  fellow-creatures. 
Sensible  that  without  him  we  can  do  nothing, 
our  devout  supplications  will  daily  rise  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  church,  who  has  promised  to 
be  with  her,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world ; 
that  peace  may  be  a  perpetual  guest  within  her 
walls,  and  prosperity  in  all  her  palaces ;  and,  as 
an  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of  our  prayers,  the 
pious  resolution  of  each  individual  will  be,  '  For 
my  brethren  and  companions'  sake,  I  will  now 
say,  peace  be  within  thee.  Because  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  our  God,  I  will  seek  to  do 
thee  good." 

We  are  sure,  that  every  one  who  reads  this 
history,  will  sincerely  respond  to  the  above  senti- 
ments ;  as  he  will  also  yield  a  hearty  amen  to 
the  wish,  "  that  this  house  of  prayer  may  prove, 
to  each  one  of  us,  and  to  the  thousands  and 
tens  of  thousands,  who  may  successively  wor- 
ship within  its  walls,  none  other  than  the  house 
of  God,  and  the  gate  of  heaven." 


SUCCESSION 


OF 


RECTORS  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH 


REV.  MR.  CLAYTON. 

1695. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Clayton  under  whose  auspices 
the  church  was  built,  was  sent  out  to  Philadel- 
phia, by  Dr.  Henry  Compton,  Bishop  of  London, 
in  1695,  through  the  influence  of  Dr.  Bray,  the 
Bishop's  Commissary  for  Maryland.  On  his 
arrival  here,  Mr.  Clayton  found  not  more  than 
fifty  persons  to  make  up  his  congregation,  yet 
in  two  years  it  "  was  increased  to  seven  hun- 
dred, and  a  handsome  church  erected."  He 
died  about  two  years  after  his  arrival,  of  a  con- 
tagious distemper  caught  in  visiting  the  sick.* 

REV.  EVAN  EVANS,  D.  D. 

1700  to  1718. 
Dr.  Evans  was  sent  out  to  Christ  Church  by 
the  Bishop  of  London,  in  1700,  and  continued 
in  charge  until  1718,  when,  on  account  of  age 

*  The  life  and  designs  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bray. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  281 

and  infirmities,  he  removed  to  Maryland,  and 
soon  after  died  there.  He  is  represented  as  a 
faithful  missionary,  and  very  instrumental  in 
establishing  the  church  in  this  country. 

REV.  JOHN  VICARY. 

1719  to  1722. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Vicary  was  licensed  by  the 
Bishop  of  London  to  take  charge  of  Christ 
Church,  and  entered  on  his  duties  in  September, 
1719.  His  health  failing  him,  at  the  close  of 
the  year,  1721,  he  does  not  appear  to  have 
officiated  after  that  time.  He  probably  died 
early  in  1723. 

REV.  RICHARD  WELTON,  D.  D. 
1724  to  1726. 
Dr.  Welton,  who  had  been  consecrated  in 
England,  in  1723,  by  Ralph  Taylor,  one  of  the 
Nonjuring  Bishops,*  took  charge  of  the  church 
in  July,  1724,  by  invitation  of  the  vestry.  He 
continued  to  officiate,  with  great  acceptance  to 
the  congregation,  until  January  13th,  1726, 
when  he  was  called  home  to  England  by  the 
British  government,  in  consequence  of  having 
exercised  here  the  Episcopal  functions.  He, 
however,  did  not  obey  the  summons,  but  retired 
to  Portugal,  where  he  died,  in  1726. 

*  Percival  on  Apostolical  Succession,  pp.  133,  134. 

24* 


282  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

REV.  ARCHIBALD  CUMMINGS. 

1726  to  1741. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings  arrived  from  Eng- 
land, September  8th,  1726,  and  the  day  follow- 
ing was  received  by  the  vestry  as  rector  of  this 
church.  In  April,  1728,  he  married  Jane  Eliz- 
abeth Assheton,  of  Philadelphia.  He  continued 
to  officiate  under  a  license  from  the  Bishop  of 
London,  with  good  success,  and  great  satisfac- 
tion to  the  people,  until  his  death,  in  April,  1741. 
He  was  rector  fourteen  years  and  seven  months ; 
and  in  that  period  there  were  1728  baptisms, 
851  marriages,  and  1601  burials,  registered  in 
his  own  handwriting ;  at  all  of  which  he  appears 
to  have  officiated. 

REV.  ROBERT  JENNEY,  L.  L.  D. 

1742  to  1762. 

Dr.  Jenney  came  to  this  country  as  a  mis- 
sionary from  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  in  1722;  and  was 
first  settled  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  New 
York ;  and  afterwards  at  Hempstead,  on  Long 
Island.  Having  served  the  society  faithfully 
for  twenty  years,  he  was  invited  to  Christ 
Church,  and  entered  upon  his  duties  as  Rector, 
in  November,  1742,  by  a  license  from  the  Bishop 
of  London.     He  died  at  the  advanced  age  of 


OF    CHRIST     CHURCH.  283 

seventy -five  years,  in  January,  1762;  having 
been  fifty-two  years  in  the  ministry,  and  more 
than  nineteen  years  rector  of  Christ  Church. 
His  remains  lie  beneath  one  of  the  aisles  of  the 
church. 

REV.  RICHARD  PETERS,  D.  D. 

1762  to  1775. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Peter's  came  out  to  this  coun- 
try, from  England,  in  1735,  and  assisted  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cummings  for  a  few  months  after  his 
arrival.  He  continued  to  reside  in  Philadelphia 
until  Dr.  Jenney's  death,  when  he  was  unani- 
mously elected  to  the  rectorship  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's.  He  continued  rector 
of  the  united  churches  until  September,  1775, 
when  he  resigned  in  consequence  of  age  and 
infirmities.  He  was  a  gentleman  of  fortune, 
and  a  most  liberal  benefactor  of  the  church. 
He  died  July  10th,  1776,  aged  72  years.  His 
remains  lie  beneath  the  centre  aisle  of  Christ 
Church,  near  the  chancel  rail. 

REV.  JACOB  DUCHE,  D.  D. 

1775  to  1777. 
Dr.  Peters  was  succeeded  by  his  senior  assist- 
ant, the  Rev.  Mr.  Duche,  a  native  of  Philadel- 
phia, who  had  been  for  sixteen  years  one  of  the 


284  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

assistants  in  the  united  churches.  He  entered 
on  the  duties  of  rector,  in  September,  1775 ; 
and  in  December,  1777,  he  left  and  went  to 
England,  where  he  remained  until  the  conclu- 
sion of  peace.  He  returned  to  this  country,  but 
never  after  had  any  connexion  with  the  churches 
in  this  city.  He  died  January  3d,  1798,  in  the 
60th  year  of  his  age.  His  remains,  together 
with  those  of  his  wife,  are  interred  in  St.  Peter's 
Church  burial  ground. 

RIGHT  REV.  WILLIAM  WHITE,  D.  D. 

1779  to  1836. 

Mr.  White  was  an  assistant  in  the  united 
churches  for  seven  years ;  first  to  Dr.  Peters, 
and  afterwards  to  Dr.  Duche.  His  election  as 
rector  took  place  April,  15th,  1779;  which 
office  he  held  until  his  death,  July  17th,  1836. 

We  collect  from  various  sources,  the  follow- 
ing notices  of  this  great  and  good  man.  "  The 
Right  Reverend  William  White,  D.  D.,  was 
born  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  on  the  4th  of 
April,  (N.  S.)  A.  D.  1748.  His  father,  Col. 
Thomas  White,  who  was  an  emigrant  from 
England,  settled  in  Maryland,  but  prior  to  the 
birth  of  the  son  removed  to  Philadelphia.  At 
the  early  age  of  fourteen  his  thoughts  were 
directed  to  the  ministry.     He  was  educated  in 


OF    CHRIST     CHURCH.  285 

Philadelphia  College,  and  there  graduated  A.  B. 
in  May,  1765,  and  A.  M.  about  three  years 
afterwards.  He  was  ordained  by  Dr.  Philip 
Young,  Bishop  of  Norwich,  under  letters  di- 
missory  from  Dr.  Richard  Terrick,  Bishop  of 
London,  on  the  23d  December,  1770,  and  priest 
by  the  same  Bishop  Terrick,  on  the  25th  day 
of  April,  1772.  In  this  interval  of  time  he  had 
access  to  the  society  of  many  of  the  most  illus- 
trious men  of  the  age,  among  whom  may  be 
mentioned  Dr.  Kennicott,  Dr.  Lowth,  Oliver 
Goldsmith,  and  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson. 

Having,  wThile  in  England,  been  conditionally 
nominated  to  the  place  of  assistant  minister  of 
Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  he  was  regularly 
elected  to  the- same,  on  the  30th  day  of  No- 
vember, 1772,  and  was  elected  rector  of  said 
churches  on  the  15th  day  of  April,  1779.  He 
was  graduated  D.  D.  in  the  University  of  Penn- 
sylvania, on  the  4th  day  of  July,  1782 ;  being 
the  first  person  named  for  that  degree  in  the  said 
institution.  He  was  elected  bishop  of  the  church 
in  Pennsylvania,  September  14, 1 786 ;  and  was 
consecrated  to  the  episcopacy  on  the  4th  day  of 
February,  1787,  by  Dr.  John  Moore,  Archbishop 
of  Canterbury,  assisted  by  Dr.  William  Mark- 
ham,  Archbishop  of  York,  Dr.  Charles  Moss, 
Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  and  Dr.  John  Hinch- 


286  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

cliff,  Bishop  of  Peterborough.  In  the  war  of  In- 
dependence, he  was  Chaplain  of  Congress,  and 
again,  by  the  choice  of  the  Senate,  under  the 
Federal  Constitution,  in  the  presidency  of 
Washington,  so  long  as  Philadelphia  was  the 
seat  of  government. 

Bishop  White  was  rector  of  Christ  Church 
and  St.  Peter's  about  fifty-seven  years  and  three 
months ;  and  of  St.  James's  from  the  time  of  its 
organization,  about  twenty- seven  years.  He 
was  bishop  of  this  diocese  about  forty-nine 
years  and  five  months.  And,  on  the  decease 
of  Bishop  Seabury,  February  25th,  1796,  be- 
coming the  senior  bishop  of  our  church,  he  con- 
tinued such  about  forty  years  and  five  months. 
His  whole  term  in  the  ministry  was  about  sixty- 
five  years  and  seven  months. 

After  no  protracted  illness,  by  the  mere  de- 
cay of  age,  he  expired  on  Sunday  the  17th  of 
July,  1836,  in  the  89th  year  of  his  age;  his 
mind  unclouded,  tranquil  and  serene,  in  meek 
reliance  upon  his  Saviour.  And  on  the  20th, 
his  body  was  interred  in  the  family  vault,  in 
Christ  Church  yard,  amidst  the  testimonials  of 
respect  and  affection  of  multitudes  of  mourning 
citizens."* 

*  Prot.  Episcopalian,  Vol.  vii.  p.  316-318, 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  287 

REV.  JOHN  WALLER  JAMES. 

1836. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  James,  the  assistant  minister, 
was  elected  rector  on  the  decease  of  Dr.  White, 
but  survived  his  venerable  predecessor  only 
four  weeks.  He  died  August  14,  1836,  aged 
3 1  years,  deeply  lamented  by  his  congregation* 
and  by  a  large  circle  of  friends.  His  remains 
were  interred  in  Christ  Church  yard,  near  the 
family  vault  of  Bishop  White. 

REV.  BENJAMIN  DORR,  D.  D. 

1837. 

The  present  rector  was  elected  March  9th, 
1837,  and  was  instituted  on  ascension  day, 
May  4th,  of  that  year,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Henry 
U.  Onderdonk,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  the  diocese  of 
Pennsylvania.  Morning  prayers  were  read  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  De  Lancey,  rector  of  the  St.  Pe- 
ter's church,  and  the  bishop  preached. 


SUCCESSION 

OF 

ASSISTANT    MINISTERS 

OF 

CHRIST   CHURCH. 


REV.  THOMAS  HUGHS. 

1718. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Hughs  supplied  the  vacancy 
for  one  year,  after  the  removal  of  Dr.  Evans, 
the  former  rector,  to  Maryland. 

REV.  JOHN  URMSTON. 
1723. 
The  Rev.   Mr.  Urmston  officiated  about  a 
year,  on  account  of  the  sickness  and  death  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Vicary,  the  rector. 

REV.  RICHARD  PETERS,  D.  D. 

1736. 

Dr.  Peters  was  an  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 

Cummings  for  a  few  months  only.     More  than 

a  quarter  of  a  century  after,  he  became  the 

rector. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  289 

REV.  ENEAS  ROSS. 

1741  to  1743. 
Mr.  Ross  came  from  England  in  June  1741, 
and  finding  the  church  vacant  by  the  death  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Cummings,  he  took  charge  of  it, 
and  officiated  two  years ;  a  part  of  the  time  as 
assistant  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jenney.  He  resigned 
in  July  1743,  to  become  rector  of  the  churches 
at  Oxford  and  White-marsh. 

REV.  WILLIAM  STURGEON. 

1747  to  1766. 
Mr.  Sturgeon  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  college 
in  Connecticut ;  and  having  obtained  orders  in 
England,  came  out  under  the  patronage  of  the 
society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign 
parts,  as  "  assistant  to  the  rector,  Dr.  Jenney, 
and  catechist  to  the  negroes."  In  July,  1766, 
he  resigned  his  office,  as  assistant  minister  in 
the  united  churches,  in  consequence  of  ill 
health. 

REV.  JACOB  DUCHE. 

1759  to  1775. 
Mr.  Duche  was  called  as  an  assistant  to  Dr. 
Jenney,  in   1759,  and  was   elected  rector   in 
1775,  after  holding  the  office  of  assistant  min- 
ister for  sixteen  years. 
25 


290  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

REV.  THOMAS  COOMBE. 
1772  to  1778. 
Mr.  Coombe  was  a  native  of  Philadelphia, 
and  was  chosen  an  assistant  to  Dr.  Peters,  at 
the  same  time  with  Mr.  White.  He  went  to 
England,  in  consequence  of  the  revolutionary 
troubles,  in  1778  ;  and  from  that  time  his  con- 
nexion with  the  churches  ceased. 

REV.  WILLIAM  WHITE. 
1772  to  1779. 
Mr.  White  was  called  to  be  an  assistant,  to 
Dr.  Peters,  in  November,  1772 ;  and  after  Dr. 
Duche  and  Mr.  Coombe  left  for  England,  Mr. 
White  remained  alone,  with  the  care  of  both 
churches,  for  nearly  three  years.  He  was 
elected  rector  in  1779. 

REV.  ROBERT  BLACKWELL,  D.  D. 

1781  to  1811. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Blackwell  was  elected  an  as- 
sistant minister  of  the  united  churches,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1781,  and  continued  to  officiate  in  that 
station  for  thirty  years. 

REV.  JOSEPH  G.  BEND. 

1787  to  1791. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Bend  was  called  from  New 
York,  to  be  an  assistant  minister,  in  December, 


OP     CHRIST     CHURCH.  291 

1787  ;  and  resigned  his  station,  in  June,  A  791, 
having  been  elected  rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Baltimore,  Maryland. 

REV.  JAMES  ABERCROMBIE. 

1794  to  1832. 
Mr.  (now  Dr.)  Abercrombie,  was  elected  an 
assistant  minister  of  the  united  churches,  in 
June,  1794 ;  and  continued  in  that  office,  until 
November,  1832,  a  period  of  more  than  thirty- 
eight  years.  In  the  language  of  one  who  was 
for  several  years  his  associate  in  the  ministry, 
Dr.  Abercrombie  was  "  long  admired  for  his 
unrivalled  excellence  as  a  reader  of  our  admi- 
rable liturgy,  for  his  ability  as  a  writer,  and  his 
eloquence  as  a  preacher  ;  and  exhibiting  in  his 
long  continued,  active  and  steady  discharge  of 
ministerial  duty,  an  unbroken*  attachment  to 
the  cause  of  Christ  and  of  his  church."* 

REV.  JACKSON  KEMPER. 

1811  to  1831. 
Mr.  (now  Dr.)  Kemper,  was  elected  an  as- 
sistant minister,  in  May,  1811 ;  and  after  filling 
the  office  very  successfully  for  twenty  years, 
he  resigned,  to  become  rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Norwalk,  Connecticut.     He  was  con- 

*  Sermon  by  Rev.  Dr.  De  Lancey,  preached  in  St.  Peter's  Church, 
June  30,  1833,  p.  34. 


292  HISTORICAL    ACCOUNT 

secrated  missionary  bishop,  for  Missouri  and 
Indiana,  September  25,1835;  where  he  con- 
tinues to  labour  with  untiring  zeal,  and  with 
entire  devotedness,  in  the  great  missionary 
work. 

REV.  JAMES  MILNOR. 

1814  to  1816. 

Mr.  (now  Dr.)  Milnor  was  chosen  an  assis- 
tant minister  of  the  united  churches,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1814 ;  and  resigned  in  June,  1816,  to  be- 
come rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  New 
York ;  which  dignified  and  useful  station,  he 
still  continues  to  occupy. 

REV.  WILLIAM  A.  MUHLENBERG. 

1817  to  1820. 

Mr.  (now  Dr.)  Muhlenberg,  became  assis- 
tant to  the  rector  in  October,  1817,  and  after 
holding  that  station  with  much  usefulness,  for 
a  little  more  than  three  years,  he  resigned,  to 
take  charge  of  St.  James's  Church,  Lancaster. 
For  several  years  past  he  has  been  eminently 
successful,  as  the  founder  and  principal  of  the 
Flushing  Institute,  now  St.  Paul's  college,  Long 
Island. 

REV.  WILLIAM  H.  DE  LANCEY. 

1822  to  1836. 
Mr.  (now  Dr.)   De  Lancey  was  elected  an 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  293 

assistant  to  the  rector  in  March,  1822.  In 
1823,  he  was  elected  an  assistant  minister  of 
the  united  churches.  In  August,  1828,  he  was 
unanimously  elected  provost  of  the  university 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  professor  of  moral  philo- 
sophy in  that  institution ;  which  office  he  ac- 
cepted, and  consequently  resigned  his  station 
as  assistant  minister.  In  June,  1833,  he  was 
invited  to  St.  Peter's  church,  then  a  separate 
and  independent  parish ;  and  on  the  decease  of 
Bishop  White,  he  became  the  rector.  Having 
been  chosen  bishop  of  the  diocese  of  western 
New  York,  he  was  consecrated  to  that  office, 
May  9th,  1839. 

REV.  JOHN  WALLER  JAMES. 

1832  to  1836. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  James  was  elected  an  assis- 
tant minister  of  Christ  Church,  in  June,  1832, 
and  served  in  that  station  for  four  years,  to  the 
great  satisfaction  and  profit  of  the  congrega- 
tion. On  the  decease  of  Bishop  White,  in  July, 
1836,  Mr.  James  was  unanimously  chosen  rec- 
tor. 


25* 


A    LIST 


WARDENS  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH, 

FROM 

EASTER,  1708,  TO  EASTER,  1841. 


1708-1710. 

Richard  Anthony.  John  Frogg. 

1711-1714. 

John  Frogg.  Anthony  Palmer. 

1717-1720. 

James  Tutthill.  Charles  Read. 

1721-1722. 

William  Assheton.  Thomas  Lawrence. 

1723-1724. 

Thomas  Tresse.  William  Fraser. 

1725. 

Samuel  Hasell.  Robert  Ellis. 

1726. 
Samuel  Hasell.  Robert  Bolton. 


OF    CHRIST     CHURCH.  295 

1727. 

Robert  Bolton.  Thomas  Leech. 

1728. 
Thomas  Leech.  Peter  Baynton. 

1729. 
Peter  Baynton.  Peter  Evans. 

1730. 
Peter  Evans.  Thomas  Bourne. 

1731. 

Thomas  Bourne.  Joshua  Maddox. 

1732-1733. 

Joshua  Maddox.  James  Bingham. 

1734. 

James  Bradley. 

1735. 

William  Pyewell.  Benjamin  Morgan. 

1736. 

Benjamin  Morgan.  John  Robinson. 

1737-1738. 

John  Robinson.  William  Chancellor. 


296  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1739. 

William  Chancellor.         William  Till. 

1740-1741. 

William  Pyewell.  Thomas  Bourne. 

1742. 

William  Pyewell.  John  Ross. 

1743. 

John  Kearsley.  Richard  Parker. 

1744. 

John  Kearsley.  William  Maugridge. 

1745. 
John  Ross.  Thomas  Leech. 

1746-1747. 

Thomas  Leech.  Jacob  Duche. 

1748. 
Jacob  Duche.  Evan  Morgan. 

1749-50. 

Evan  Morgan.  Townsend  White. 

1751. 
William  Pyewell.  Joseph  Redman. 

1752-1753. 

Henry  Harrison.  James  Humphreys. 


OP    CHRIST    CHURCH.  297 

1754-1755. 

John  Baynton.  George  Okill. 

1756-1757. 

Redmond  Conyngham.     John  Sayre. 

1758. 
Evan  Morgan.  Redmond  Conyngham. 

1759. 
Evan  Morgan.  Alexander  Stedman. 

1760-1762. 
Henry  Harrison.  Alexander  Stedman. 

1763. 
William  Plumsted.  Edward  Duffield.    , 

1764. 

Edward  Duffield.  Charles  Stedman. 

1765. 

Townsend  White.  Charles  Stedman. 

1766. 
Joseph  Swift.  Joseph  Sims. 

1767. 
James  Humphreys.  William  Bingham. 

1768. 
James  Humphreys.  Joseph  Stamper. 


298  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1769. 
Joseph  Swift.  Joseph  Stamper. 

1770-1771. 

rancis  Hopkinson.  Benjamin  Wynkoop. 

F 

1772. 

Joseph  Swift.  John  Wilcocks. 

1773. 

Joseph  Redman.  John  Wilcocks. 

1774. 

Joseph  Redman.  James  Sparks. 

1775. 

John  Morgan.  Jonathan  Browne. 

1776. 
Jonathan  Browne.  Thomas  Cuthbert. 

1777. 
Thomas  Cuthbert.  James  Reynolds. 

1778. 
James  Reynolds.  Samuel  Powell. 

1779. 

Samuel  Powell.  Richard  Bache. 

1780. 
Richard  Bache.  John  Chaloner. 


OF     CHRIST     CHURCH.  299 

1781. 

John  Chaloner.  William  Adcock. 

1782. 
William  Adcock.  Wooddrop  Sims. 

1783. 

Gerardus  Clarkson.  William  Pollard. 

1784. 
Wooddrop  Sims.  William  Pollard. 

1785. 

Wooddrop  Sims.  Joseph  Swift. 

1786. 
Joseph  Swift.  Tench  Coxe. 

1787. 
Tench  Coxe.  Robert  Towers. 

1788. 
Benjamin  Wynkoop.         Robert  Towers. 

1789-1791. 

Robert  Towers.  John  Wilcocks. 

1792. 

Joseph  Swift.  John  WiLcocks. 

1793-1794. 

John  Wilcocks.  Thomas  Cumpston. 


300  HISTORICAL     ACCOUNT 

1795-1803. 
Joseph  Swift.  Thomas  Cumpston. 

1804-1812. 
Thomas  Cumpston.  Peter  De  Haven. 

1813-1814. 

William  Tilghman.  Thomas  Cumpston. 

1815-1819. 

William  Tilghman.  John  B.  Wallace. 

1820-1826. 
William  Tilghman.  John  Read. 

1827-1828. 
Horace  Binney.  John  C.  Lowber. 

1829-1831. 

Horace  Binney.  William  Meredith. 

1832-1834. 
Horace  Binney.  Henry  J.  Hutchins. 

1835. 
Horace  Binney.  Moses  Kempton. 

1836. 
Moses  Kempton.  Charles  Wheeler. 

1837. 
Moses  Kempton.  Philip  H.  Nicklin. 

1838-1841. 
Horace  Binney.  Moses  Kempton. 


OFFICERS 


CHRIST    CHURCH,    1841 


WARDENS. 

Horace  Binney.  Moses  Kempton. 

VESTRYMEN. 

Philip  H.  Nicklin.  William  Smith. 

John  White.  Wade  T.  Smith. 

Ellis  Clark.  Job  Bacon. 

James  Y.  Humphreys.  Thomas  C.  Hand. 

Robert  S.  Johnson.  Francis  West,  M.D. 

organist. 
J.  C.  B.  Standbridge. 

sexton. 
Robert  R.  Bringhurst. 


26 


APPENDIX 


"  The  vaulted  roof  that  trembled  oft 

Above  the  chaunted  psalm ; 
The  quaint  old  altar  where  we  owned 

Our  very  Paschal  Lamb ; 
The  chimes  that  ever  in  the  tower 

Like  seraph-music  sung, 
And  held  me  spell-bound  in  the  way 

When  I  wras  very  young." 

Christian  Ballads. 


APPENDIX 


CHURCH   EDIFICE 


Christ  Church  is  situated  on  the  west  side  of  Second 
street,  between  Market  and  Arch  streets.  The  lot  on 
which  it  stands  is  about  140  feet  in  front,  by  132  feet 
deep.  The  main  building  is  of  brick,  90  feet  in  length, 
by  61  feet  in  breadth,  with  a  projecting  tower  at  the 
west  end  28  feet  square ;  the  extreme  length,  includ- 
ing the  tower,  is  therefore  118  feet.  The  walls  of  the 
tower  are  of  stone,  4  feet  thick ;  but  are  cased  with 
brick,  to  correspond  with  the  main  building.  The 
steeple  was  built  by  Robert  Smith,  at  an  expense  of 
more  than  £3000.  It  was  commenced  in  1751  and 
finished  in  1755.  Its  height  is  196  feet  9  inches  from 
the  base  to  the  mitre ;  and  about  two  hundred  feet  to 
the  Hop  of  the  lightning  rod.  When  the  steeple  was 
painted,  in  1838,  the  vane,  balls  and  mitre,  which  are 
all  of  copper,  were  taken  down  to  be  regilded ;  and  at 
that  time  the  size  of  each  was  accurately  ascertained. 
The  largest  ball  measures  seven  feet  nine  inches  in 
circumference,  and  is  said  to  contain  sixty  gallons. 
The  four  smaller  balls,  which  indicate  the  cardinal 

26* 


306  APPENDIX. 

points  of  the  compass,  are  each  one  foot  ten  inches  in 
circumference,  and  are  three  feet  ten  inches  apart. 
The  vane  is  seven  feet  seven  inches  in  length,  and  two 
feet  two  inches  in  breadth.  The  mitre  is  two  feet  six 
inches  in  height  and  four  feet  in  circumference.  Upon 
it  are  thirteen  stars,  the  number  of  the  original  states, 
with  the  following  inscription :  viz. 

"  The  Right  Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.  consecrated 
Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Pennsylvania,  Feb- 
ruary 4th,  1787." 

This  steeple  is  regarded  by  competent  judges  as  one 
of  peculiar  beauty.  It  is  "  thus  extolled  by  Joseph 
Sansom,  Esq.,  who  had  seen  numerous  similar 
architectural  ornaments  abroad,  viz. :  *  It  is  the  hand- 
somest structure  of  the  kind,  that  I  ever  saw  in  any 
part  of  the  world ;  uniting  in  the  peculiar  features 
of  that  species  of  architecture  the  most  elegant  variety 
of  forms,  with  the  most  chaste  simplicity  of  combi- 
nation.' "* 

For  the  present  beautiful  appearance  of  the  interior 
of  the  church,  we  are  chiefly  indebted  to  Thomas  U. 
Walter,  Esq.,  a  distinquished  architect  in  Philadelphia, 
whose  taste  and  skill  were  employed  in  restoring  it  to 
what  seemed  to  be  the  original  design  of  the  person 
who  first  planned  it.  The  style  of  architecture,  which 
is  well  preserved  throughout,  is  appropriate ;  and 
the  effect  of  the  lofty  arches,  supported  by  six  large 
fluted  columns,  is  strikingly  beautiful.  The  extreme 
length  of  the  interior,  from  the  door  fronting  the  cen- 

*  Watson's  Annals,  p.  331. 


CHURCH      EDIFICE.  307 

tre  aisle,  to  the  large  window  back  of  the  chancel,  is 
ninety  feet,  and  the  width  fifty-seven  feet.  The  height 
of  the  centre  arched  ceiling  is  forty-seven  feet. 

The  whole  appearance  is  chaste,  simple,  and  ele- 
gant; and  there  is  throughout  a  quiet  grandeur  and 
sublimity,  which  at  once  inspire  sentiments  of  devotion 
and  awe.  We  think  no  one  can  enter  it  without  feel- 
ing that  he  is  in  a  temple  consecrated  to  the  service 
of  Jehovah. 

The.  pulpit  and  desk  stand  within  the  chancel,  which 
is  formed  in  a  recess,  24  feet  wide,  and  15  feet  deep, 
at  the  east  end.  The  whole  is  lighted  by  a  large  win- 
dow immediately  over  the  altar.  Two  mural  tablets, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  chancel,  contain,  the  one  the 
Creed  and  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  other  the  Ten  Com- 
mandments. On  the  north  side  of  the  chancel  is  the 
vestry-room,  and  on  the  south  side  is  a  room  of  cor- 
responding size,  which  serves  for  the  meetings  of  a 
bible  class.  A  large  room  over  the  chancel,  the  en- 
trance to  which  is  through  the  south  gallery,  has  been 
fitted  up  for  the  Church  Library. 

There  are,  upon  the  ground  floor  of  the  church,  one 
hundred  and  thirty-four  pews,  and  thirty-six  pews  in 
the  gallery.  The  large  chandelier,  which  is  suspended 
over  the  centre  aisle,  was  purchased  in  1744,  and 
cost  £56. 

Upon  the  north  wall  are  three  tablets ;  one  to  the 
memory  of  Robert  Meade,  who  died  May  3d,  1796  ; 
another  to  the  memory  of  John  Cox,  who  died  Febru- 
ary 20th,  1713;  and  the  third  to  the  memory  of  the 
late  rector,  the  Rev.  J.  W.  James ;  a  particular  de- 
scription of  which  will  be  given  hereafter.     On  the 


308  APPENDIX. 

south  wall  is  a  tablet  to  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Mary 
Andrews,  a  considerable  benefactress  to  this  church, 
who  died  March  29,  1761. 

When  the  recent  improvements  were  made  in  the 
church,  it  was  found  necessary  to  cover  with  the  floor- 
ing those  tomb  stones  which  lay  in  the  aisles  ;  in  con- 
quence  of  which,  two  marble  tablets  have  been  placed 
on  either  side  of  the  front  entrance,  beneath  the  gallery, 
to  preserve,  as  far  as  practicable,  the  inscriptions  so 
covered  up.  The  names  and  dates  on  the  stones,  as 
far  as  they  are  legible,  are  as  follows : 

"  The  Rev.  Richard  Peters,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peters,  died  10th  July,  1776,  aged  72 
years." 

"Pearse,  died  1700."  "  Pearse,  died  1713." 
"  Pearse,  died  1714."  "  Samuel  Welsh,  aged  70 
years."  "John  Roberts,  died  13th  January,  1730, 
aged  44  years."  "  Robert  Lor^y,  died  in  1734,  aged 
42  years." 

"  The  Honourable  John  Pen>n,  Esq.,  one  of  the 
Proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania,  died  9th  February, 
1795,  aged  67  years." 

"  Assheton  Family,  of  Lancashire,  England,  1768." 

"  John  Knight,  of  the  Island  of  Jamaica,  died  23d 
July,  1733,  aged  36  years."  "  The  Honourable 
Richard  Warsom,  Esq.,  of  Barbadoes,  died  1766,  aged 
65  years.  Mary  Weeks,  eldest  daughter  of  Richard 
Warsom,  Esq.,  January  21st,  1776,  aged  31  years. 
Richard  Mead,  grandson  of  Richard  Warsom,  Esq., 
died  5th  May,  1796."  "  Mary  Andrews,  died  29th 
March,  1761,  aged  78  years."  "  Thomas  Venables, 
Esq.,  died   26th   January,    1731.     Rebecca,   wife  of 


CHURCH      EDIFICE.  309 

Thomas  Venables,  Esq.,  died  10th  February,  1784? 
aged  78  years."  "  Ann  Hockley,  died  28th  June 
1745,  aged  24  years." 

The  graves  of  all  the  above  named  are  beneath  the 
aisles  of  the  church.  The  remains  of  the  revered 
Bishop  White  are  deposited  in  his  own  family  vault, 
in  the  north-west  corner  of  the  church-yard,  where 
rest  the  ashes  of  his  beloved  wife,  and  of  his  brother- 
in-law,  the  Honourable  Robert  Morris,  the  great  Ame- 
rican financier. 


iMONUMENTS. 

In  the  interior  of  the  church,  upon  the  wall,  are  the 
following  tablets.  The  inscription  on  the  first  named 
is  almost  illegible. 


This  Monument  was  erected  by 

William  Cox,  a  member  of  this  congregation, 

In  memory  of  his  much  lamented  brother, 

JOHN  COX,  late  of  Cheltenham, 

In  the  county  of  Gloucester,  in  Great  Britain ; 

Unfortunately  drowned  in  the  river  Delaware, 

February  20,  Anno  Christi  1713. 

iEtatis  Suee  22. 

II. 
SACRED 

TO    THE    MEMORY   OF 

ROBERT    MEADE. 

He  died  the  3d  May,  1796,  in  the  21st  year  of  his  age. 

Just,  Generous  and  Humane, 

He  knew  but  vice  the  better  to  avoid  her, 

While  every  virtue 

Claim'd  alliance  to  him. 

Now  w?ell  earn'd  peace  is  his,  and  bliss  sincere, 
Ours  be  the  lenient,  not  unpleasing  tear. 


MONUMENTS.  311 

'Tis  the  great  birthright  of  mankind  to  die, 
Life  is  the  bud  of  being,  the  dim  dawn, 
The  twilight  of  our  day,  the  vestibule  ; 
Life's  theatre  as  yet  is  shut,  and  death, 
Strong  death,  alone  can  heave  the  massy  bar, 
This  gross  impediment  of  clay  remove, 
And  make  us  embryos  of  existence  free. 

III. 

IN    MEMORY    OF 

THE   REVEREND 

JOHN    WALLER    JAMES, 
Rector  op  this  Church, 

WHO  DIED  AUGUST  14,  1836. 

Aged  31  years. 

"  I  wish  to  say  to  the  dear  people  of  my  charge — 
Remember  the  words  I  spake  unto  you  while  I  was 
yet  alive.  The  same  truths  make  me  happy  in  the 
prospect  of  death  and  heaven." 

IV. 

TO  the  memory  of 
MRS.  MARY  ANDREWS,  late  of  this  city, 

Who  died  March  29,  17G1,  Aged  78. 
And  was  a  considerable  benefactress  to  this 

CHURCH. 

Erected  by  her  executors,  William  Peters  and 
Benjamin  Pearce,  Esqrs.  in  pursuance  of  her  will. 


312  APPENDIX. 

INSCRIPTIONS 

ON  THE  GRAVE  STONES  IN  THE 

AISLES  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


N.  B.  These  inscriptions  were  copied  by  the  com- 
mittee on  repairs  and  improvements,  previously  to 
laying  the  present  floor  of  the  church ;  and  the  exact 
location  of  each  stone,  together  with  the  inscriptions, 
were  entered  on  the  book  of  minutes  of  the  vestry. 

CENTRE  AISLE. 

Twenty-five  feet  from  the  east  wall,  under  the  win- 
dow to  centre  of  the  stone,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
aisle. 

.     I. 

IN  MEMORY  OF 

THE   REVEREND   RICHARD   PETERS,   D.  D., 

RECTOR  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH  AND  ST.  PETER'S, 

Who  departed  this  Life 

July  10th,  1776,  aged  72  years. 


Thirty-one  feet  from  east  wall,  south  side  of  the 
aisle. 


MONUMENTS.  313 

II. 
IN  MEMORY  OP 

THOMAS    VENABLE,    ESQ. 
Who  departed  this  life,  January  26th,  1731. 

And  of 

REBECCA,  his  Wife 

Who  departed  this  life,  February  10th,  1784.  Aged  78  years. 


Forty  feet  from  east  wall,  north  side  of  the  aisle : 

III. 

Under  this  stone  lies  ANN  HOCKLEY,  who  will 
ever  be  remembered  with  true  esteem  by  all  who 
knew  her,  for  good  sense,  sprightly  conversation,  strict 
virtue,  sincere  friendship,  and  unaffected  piety.  Her 
sickness  was  one  continued  exercise  of  devotion,  be- 
ing a  painful  consumptive  disorder,  which  removed 
her  from  hence  y°  28th  day  of  June,  1745,  at  the  age 
of  24  years,  singing  in  most  devout  strains,  and  mak- 
ing melody  unto  the  Lord  in  her  very  last  moments. 


Forty-eight  feet  from  east  wall,  north  side  of  the 
aisle : 

IV. 

Under  this  stone  lies  interred  the  body  of  JOHN 
KNIGHT,  Esq.,  of  the  Island  of  Jamaica,  who  died 
in  this  city,  23  July,  1733,  in  the  36th  year  of  his  age. 

27 


314  APPENDIX. 

i 

He  was  the  only  living  son  of  James  Knight,  Esq., 
and  grand-son  of  Dr.  Knight,  both  of  said  Island. 


Fifty-five  feet  from  east  wall,  south  side  of  the  aisle  : 
V. 

SACRED 

TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

THE  HONORABLE  RICHARD  WARSOM,  ESQ., 

One  of  his  majesty's  council  of  the  Island  of  Bar- 
badoes.  Nature  had  been  bountiful  to  him  ;  his  edu- 
cation was  liberal,  his  principles,  in  regard  to  church 
and  state,  orthodox  and  constitutional ;  in  the  relations 
of  husband  and  father,  he  was  kind,  tender  and  truly 
affectionate.  His  mournful  widow,  in  respectful  tes- 
timony of  his  conjugal,  paternal,  and  other  excellen- 
cies, dedicated  this  stone. 

Born  in  Barbadoes,  a.  d.  1701.  Died  in  Philadel- 
phia, a.  d.  1766,  aged  65. 

Also  the  remains  of  MRS.  MARY  WEEKS, 
eldest  daughter  of  the  aforesaid  Richard  Warsom, 
Esq.  of  Barbadoes,  who  died  January  21st,  1772. 
Aged  31  years. 

ROBERT  MEADE,*  son  of  George  and  Henri- 
etta Constantia  Meade,  and  grand-son  of  Richard 
Warsom,  was  also  interred  here  on  the  5th  May,  1796. 

*  A  mural  monument  to  his  memory  is  on  the  north  wall  of  the 
church. 


MONUMENTS.  315 

Sixty-four  feet  from  east  wall,  south  side  of  aisle : 

VI. 
Here    lieth    the    body    of   MRS.    MARY    AN- 
DREWS,* who  departed  this  life  March  29th,   1761, 
Anno  iEtat.  78. 


Seventy-two  feet  from  east  wall,  north  side  of  the 
aisle : 

VII. 
Here  lieth  the  body  of  JOHN  ROBERTS,  mer- 
chant in  Philadelphia,  who  departed  this  life,  January 
13th,  1730. 

Aged  44  years. 


NORTH  AISLE. 

Seven  feet  from  the  wall  of  north-east  stairway ,f  in 
the  centre  of  a  marble  stone,  is  a  piece  of  soap-stone 
in  which  is  the  following  in  lead  letters : 

VIII. 
Here  lies  the  body  of  SAMUEL  WELSH,  Aged  70. 


Twenty-five  feet  from  the  wall,  as  above  : 
IX. 

PEARSE,  1700. 

also PEARSE,  1713. 

also PEARSE,  1714. 

*  There  is  a  mural  tablet  to  her  memory  on  the  south  wall, 
t  Where  the  Vestry  room  now  is. 


316  APPENDIX, 


SOUTH  AISLE. 

Four  feet  from  the  wall  of  south-east  stair-way,  in 
the  passage  of  entrance  from  south-east  door,*  is  a 
large  flat  stone,  every  letter  of  which  is  worn  off. 

Thirty-four  feet  from  the  wall,  as  above  : 

X. 

Here  lies  the  body  of  ROBERT  LOR^EY,  who 
departed  this  life  November  27th,  Anno  Domini,  1734, 
Aged  42  years. 


AISLE  IN  FRONT  OF  THE  CHANCEL. 

Eleven  feet  from  the  north  wall,  the  inscription 
partly  obliterated  : 

XL 

M.  S.  Famas 

ASSHETON  *    *    *    *  iensis 

de  Salford  juxta  Manchester 

*     #     #     #  Lancastriensis 

Stephanus  Watts    Francisca 

Rudolphi  Susanna  Assheton 

Anno  Salutis,  1768. 

*  This  door  was  where  the  window  now  is,  at  pews  No.  2  and  4,  occu- 
pied by  Job  Brown,  Esq.    The  stair-way  has  been  removed. 


MONUMENTS.  317 

Nineteen  feet  from  the  north  wall : 
XII. 

HERE  LIETH  THE  BODY  OF 

THE  HONORABLE  JOHN  PENN,  ESQ., 
One  of  the  late  Proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania, 

Who  died,  February  9th,  a.  d.  1795,  aged  67  years. 


-  In  this  aisle  immediately  in  front  of  the  chancel 
are  three  stones ;  the  north  and  south  ones  are  with- 
out any  names  or  even  letters  on  them.  On  the  cen- 
tre stone  is  the  following,  as  near  as  can  be  made 
out.* 

XIII. 


*    *    *      Col.  S.  S.  Trinitat.  Dublin  Studuit  Alumnus 
Obiit  die  V.  Mensis  Januar.  Anno  Salut.  mdcclxii. 

aet.  LXXV. 

Age  Lector, 
Purse  Religionis,  honestas  veritatis,  benevolentissime, 

Exemplum  velis, 

Hunc  Christianae  Fidei  vindicem,  Probitatis  Cultorem, 

Benevolentia  studia, 

Respice,  sequere,  imitare. 

Juxta  Hoc  etiam,  marmor,  sepulta  jacet 

JOANNA  ELIZABETHA  pradicti  ROBERTI 

JENNEY,  conjux, 

Quae  sex  tantumrnodo  dies  post  mariti  sepulturam, 

Obiit,  anno  aetatis  suae  lxiv. 

*  This  is  the  grave  of  Dr.  Robert  Jenney,  who  died  the  recttr  of  this 
church,  January  1762. 

27* 


318  APPENDIX. 

Upon  the  north  side  of  the  church  yard,  among 
other  burial  vaults,  are  the  following  : 

I. 

The  Family  vault 

of 

WM.  WHITE  AND  ROBERT  MORRIS, 

The  latter  who  was  Financier 

of  the  United  States 

during  the  Revolution, 

died  the    8th   May,    1806, 

aged  73  years. 

The  former,  Rector  of  this  Church 

and  Bishop  of  the  Diocese, 

died  the  17th  July,  1836, 

aged  88  years,  3  months, 

and  13  days. 

The  first  interment  in  this  vault, 

was  ESTHER  WHITE,  Relict  of 

Colonel  Thomas  White, 

and  mother  of  Bishop  White  ; 

she  died  the  21st  December,  1790. 

Aged  71  years. 


II. 

VAULT 

OF     CHRIST     CHURCH. 

REVD.   JOHN   WALLER  JAMES, 

Rector  of  this  Church. 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth. 


MO  NUME  NTS.  319 

There  is  also  an  extensive  burial  ground  on  the 
south-east  corner  of  Arch  and  Fifth  streets,  which 
was  purchased  by  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  in 
August  1719,  and  has  ever  since  been  used  as  a  place 
of  interment.  Among  the  inscriptions  upon  the  tomb- 
stones are  some  of  as  early  a  date  as  1720.  Many 
persons  of  distinction  have  been  buried  here.  In  the 
north-west  corner  of  the  yard  is  a  plain  marble  slab, 
with  this  simple  inscription : 

BENJAMIN  1  FRANKLIN> 

ana  >         ,7qn 

DEBORAH  )        17yu* 

By  their  side  repose  the  ashes  of  their  daughter  and 
son-in-law,  with  the  like  brief  record  upon  their  tomb. 

He  who  walks  among  the  graves  of  the  thousands 
who  are  sleeping  here,  may  realize  the  truth  of  the 
poet's  description: 

"  From  stone  to  stone  my  eyes  successive  roam, 

And  note  what  tenants  underneath  them  lie. 

Each  sex  is  here ;  all  ages,  infancy 
To  second  childhood  :  some  the  stately  tomb, 
Some  hold  the  osier'd  earth's  contracted  room, 

Signs  of  their  former  fortunes  :  low  and  high, 

All  ranks  and  states  of  earth's  society, 
All  earthly  kindreds  find  a  common  home. 
Hark,  from  the  grave  with  still  small  voice  they  call, 

And  thus  the  moral  of  their  stories  preach  ; 
i  We  all  were  born,  we  lived,  we  died,  and  all 

Shall  rise  to  judgment.     How  on  earth  by  each 
His  task  was  done,  and  what  shall  each  befall, 

Inquire  not  now  ;  that  day  alone  can  teach  1'  " 


PULPIT. 


The  first  mention  which  we  find  of  the  pulpit  is  in  a 
resolution  of  the  vestry  in  September,  1730,  and  again 
in  March  1731-32,  after  the  "new  addition  to  the 
church  was  completed,  and  galleries  erected  therein  ;" 
when  it  was  thought  that  "  the  pulpit  stood  too  remote 
from  that  part  of  the  church,  for  the  people  to  hear 
distinctly,  so  as  to  receive  full  benefit ;"  it  was  there- 
fore "  Resolved,  that  the  pulpit  be  removed  further 
into  the  body  of  the  church,  with  all  convenient 
speed."  And  at  the  next  meeting,  it  was  "  Ordered, 
that  a  handsome  pew  be  made  for  his  honour  the 
Governor,  where  the  pulpit  formerly  stood ;"  and  the 
one  now  occupied  by  him  "before  the  communion 
table,  be  pulled  down."  From  these,  and  other  inci- 
dental allusions,  it  would  seem  that  the  pulpit  origin- 
ally stood  on  the  north  side  of  the  church ;  as  is  not 
unfrequently  the  case  in  our  old  churches,  especially 
in  the  Southern  States.  In  July,  1740,  when  the  east- 
ern end  of  the  present  building  was  nearly  finished,  it 
was  "  Resolved,  that  the  pulpit  be  removed  to  the  east 
end  of  the  middle  aisle  of  the  church."  In  August, 
1769,  a  new  pulpit  was  directed  to  be  built,  in  con- 
formity with  the  will  of  Mrs.  Andrews,  who  left  £66. 
12s.  3d.  for  that  purpose.  This  is  the  present  pulpit, 
which  was  finished  in  June,  1770,  and  in  the  language 
of  the  vestry,  was  "  universally  admired  ;"  and  we 
think  justly  so.     To  our  taste  it  is  much  more  beauti- 


PULPIT.  321 

ful  than  any  thing  of  the  kind  we  have  ever  seen  ;  and 
we  have  been  told  that  our  late  lamented  bishop 
thought  it  the  most  appropriate  form  and  style  for  a 
pulpit,  of  any  in  this  country.  Now,  indeed,  it  is  hal- 
lowed by  a  thousand  sacred  associations  connected 
with  the  venerable  Dr.  White,  who  was  settled  as  an 
assistant  minister  in  the  church  only  two  years  after 
the  pulpit  was  finished,  and  preached  from  it  64  years ; 
when  he  was  called  to  his  reward. 

The  cost  of  the  pulpit  and  desk  was  £108.  2s.  106?. 
The  name  of  the  builder,  who  also  produced  the  plan 
and  elevation,  was  John  Folwell. 


CHURCH    PLATE. 


Several  of  the  vessels  belonging  to  the  Communion 
Set,  were  the  gift  of  Queen  Anne,  and  were  probably 
presented  through  the  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Dr. 
Evans,  on  his  first  visit  to  England  in  the  year  1707-8. 
They  are  the  same  which  are  now  used  on  every 
communion  day.  Many  interesting  and  solemn  refle- 
tions  are  awakened  in  our  minds  by  the  sight  of  these 
sacred  vessels,  which  have  been  used  for  the  same 
holy  purpose,  for  one  hundred  and  thirty  years.  How 
many  thousands  of  devout  worshippers  have  here  par- 
taken of  the  precious  memorials  of  a  Saviour's  love, 
who  are  now  admitted  as  worthy  guests  at  the  mar- 
riage supper  of  the  Lamb  !  How  many  thousands 
of  those  who  came  to  this  house  of  prayer,  have, 
habitually  turned  their  backs  upon  the  Lord's  table, 
"  and  separated  from  their  brethren,  who  came  to 
banquet  on  that  most  heavenly  food !"  With  most 
of  them  their  account  has  long  since  been  closed; 
and  let  those  who  are  treading  in  their  footsteps,  ask 
themselves  what  excuse  they  will  give,  at  the  day  of 
final  reckoning,  for  their  neglect  of  this  plain  com- 
mand, DO  THIS  IN  REMEMBRANCE  OF  ME. 

"  Take,  eat  and  drink,  and  thus  remember  me  ! 
Remember  Thee !     Alas,  the  mighty  debt 
Of  heavenly  love  that  man  should  e'er  forget ! 

Ah !  how  can  I  my  Lord  and  Saviour  see, 

Reclining  at  the  board,  and  on  the  tree 


CHURCH     PLATE.  323 

Suspended  !  bow'd  with  agony,  and  yet 

Breathing  sweet  love  for  men  against  thee  set 
Thine  enemies  !  and  not  remember  Thee] 
Duty  most  bounden,  thus  on  thee  to  think, 

Thus,  as  thou  biddest !     Privilege  divine, 
Pledge  of  thy  boundless  love,  to  eat  and  drink 

Thy  body  and  blood  beneath  the  bread  and  wine  ! 
O,  ever  thus,  till  worn-out  nature  sink, 

That  duty,  Lord,  that  privilege  be  mine  !" 

The  description  of  the  several  pieces  of  plate  be- 
longing to  the  church,  is  as  follows,  viz: 

One  large  Flagon,  and  one  Chalice,  with  cover, 
which  also  serves  as  a  paten,  are  each  inscribed, 

Anna  Regina  in  usum  Ecclesice  Anglicance  apud 
Philadelphiam,  A.  D.  1708. 

One  large  Flagon,  and  two  Plates,  bear  the  follow- 
ing inscription : — 

The  gift  of  Col.  Robert  Quary  to  Christ  Church  in 
Philadelphia,  this  29th  8br.  1712. 

One   deep   cup   is   engraved   with   the   figures  of 

six  of  the  apostles,  viz:  St.  Petrus,  St.  Paulus,  St. 

Joannes,   St.    Jacobus,  St.  Matthceus,  St.  Thomas; — 

and  marked    M 
I*K 

One  smaller  cup,  and  one  plate,  each  inscribed, 

The  gift  of  Margaret  Tresse,  Spinster,  to  Christ 
Church  in  Philadelphia. 

One  spoon,  marked  X-T-C. 

One  plate,  and  a  paten,  each  marked  Mrs.  Sarah 
Redman,  to  Christ  Church  Communion  table,  1825. 

One  cup,  inscribed,  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia. 

One  large  silver  basin,  for  the  font,  weighing  63  oz. 


324  APPENDIX. 

2dwts.  and  inscribed,  The  gift  of  Col.  Robert  Quary, 
to  Christ  Church  in  Philadelphia,  this  29th  8br. 
1712. 

From  this  "  laver  of  regeneration"  what  multitudes 
have  received  the  "  outward  and  visible  sign"  of  "  a 
death  unto  sin,  and  a  new  birth  unto  righteousness," 
and  have  thereby  been  "  made  members  of  Christ, 
children  of  God,  and  inheritors  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven !"  And  many,  we  doubt  not,  have  long  since 
entered  upon  that  inheritance  which  is  "incorruptible, 
undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away."  What  tales  of 
thrilling  interest  might  be  unfolded,  could  we  know  the 
characters  and  destinies  of  the  numerous  groups  of 
parents,  sponsors  and  children,  which,  in  the  last  one 
hundred  and  twenty-nine  years,  have  gathered  around 
this  baptismal  font ! 

"  Oh  in  that  last  decisive  day, 
When  God  the  nations  shall  survey, 
May  it  before  the  world  appear, 
Thousands  were  born  for  glory  here." 


ORGAN 


There  let  the  pealing  organ  blow, 

To  the  full-voiced  choir  below, 

In  service  high  and  anthems  clear 

As  may  with  sweetness  through  mine  ear, 

Dissolve  me  into  ecstasies, 

And  bring  all  heaven  before  mine  eyes. 

Milton. 

In  September,  1728,  within  a  year  after  the  present 
building  was  commenced,  a  new  organ  was  purchased 
of  Mr.  Lod.  C.  Sprogel  for  £200.,  and  put  up  in  the 
church.  This  remained  there  until  it  was  thought 
expedient  to  purchase  a  larger  one,  in  November 
1763,  when  £500.  were  subscribed  for  that  object,  and 
a  committee  is  appointed  to  contract  with  Mr.  Philip 
Feyring,  who  built  the  organ  then  in  St.  Peters 
church,  to  erect  one  in  Christ  Church.  The  new 
organ  was  finished,  and  placed  in  the  church,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1766;  and  after  remaining  there  70  years,  was 
removed  in  June,  1836,  to  give  place  to  the  magnifi- 
cent instrument  now  there.  The  old  organ,  built  in 
1766,  contained  3  sets  of  keys,  and  pedals,  2  octaves, 
from  16  foot  C,  upwards.  It  had  27  stops,  viz. :  12  in 
the  Great  Organ,  5  in  the  Choir  Organ,  7  in  the  Swell 
Organ,  and  3  in  the  Pedals ;  and  about  1607  pipes. 
It  is  supposed  that  this  organ  consisted  originally  of 
but  2  sets  of  keys,  viz. :  Great  and  Choir  Organ,  and 
that  the  swell  and  pedals  were  the  additions  of  a  later 
period. 

28 


326  APPENDIX. 

The  present  instrument  is  said  to  be  "  of  the  first 
class,  and  perhaps  a  chef  d'ceuvre  of  Erben,  to  whom 
much  credit  is  due  for  his  ability,  industry,  and  perse- 
verance in  such  matters,  as  well  as  to  Mr.  J.  C.  B. 
Standbridge,  the  Organist,  for  the  plan  and  details  of 
the  instrument,  who  has  been  untiring  in  his  exertions 
from  first  to  last,  to  produce  that  satisfaction  justly  to 
be  anticipated  in  a  work  of  this  kind."  A  particular 
description  of  this  noble  instrument  has  been  furnished 
by  Mr.  Standbridge,  as  follows,  viz. : 

DESCRIPTION 

OF  THE 

LARGE   NEW   ORGAN, 

Erected  in  Christ  Church,  Philadelphia,   by  Henry 
Erben  of  JVew  York,  March,  1837. 


IT  HAS  THREE  SETS  OF  KEYS,  AND  PEDALS. 

Compass  of  Great  Organ,  GG,  to  FF,  or  58  notes. 


Great  Organ 

1.  Double  stop'd  Diapason  58  Pipes. 

2.  Large  open  Diapason,  metal 


throughout 

58     « 

3.  2d  open  Diapason 

58     " 

4.  Stop'd  Diapason 

58     « 

5.  Principal 

58     < 

6.  Nighthorn 

58     ■ 

7.  Twelfth 

58     ' 

ORGAN. 

8. 

Fifteenth 

58 

Pipes. 

9. 

Seventeenth  or  Tierce 

58 

cc 

10. 

Sesquialtra  from  lowest  G  to 
middle  B  inclusive,  28  notes 

of  4  ranks  each 

112 

cc 

11. 

Mounted  Cornet,  from  middle 

C  to  F  in  alt.  inclusive,  30 

N 

notes,  5  ranks 

150 

cc 

12. 

Trumpet 

58 

cc 

13. 

Clarion 

58 

(C 

327 


Total,  great  organ  pipes     900 

Choir  Organ. 

Compass  same  as  Great  Organ, 
viz.  58  notes. 


1.  Dulciana 

58  Pipe: 

2.  Open  Diapason  to  Gamut  G,  re- 

maining 11  pipes  Stop'd  Dia- 

pason 

58     « 

3.  Stop'd  Diapason 

58     " 

4.  Principal 

58     " 

5.  Flute 

58     " 

6.  Fifteenth 

58     " 

7.  Cremona  down   to   C,  second 

space  in  Bass,  inclusive 

42     " 

Choir 

organ  pipi 

Swell  Organ. 

Compass  from  C,  second  space  in  J 

Bass 

to  F  in  alt.  inclusive,  42  notes 

1.  Open  Diapason 

42  Pipei 

2.  Viol  da  Gamba 

42     " 

328 


APPENDIX. 

3.  Stop'd  Diapason 

42  Pipes. 

4.  Principal 

42     " 

5.  Flute 

42     " 

6.  Fifteenth 

42     " 

7.  Cornet  3  ranks 

126     " 

8.  Trumpet 

42     " 

9.  Oboe 

42     " 

Tremulant. 

Swell  pipes  462 

The  swell  keys  are  continued  down  to 
GG,  or  16  notes,  and  take  down  the 
action  of  the  Choir  Organ  with  those 
16  notes. 

Pedals — Compass  from  GGG,  to  DD  or  19 

Notes. 

1.  Double  open  Diapason — largest  pipe 

19  feet  long  by  about  19  by  22 
inches  square  outside — this  note 
speaks  G  an  octave  below  the  low- 
est G  of  the  Piano  Forte  19  Pipes. 

2.  Open  Diapason  19     " 

3.  Principal  of  metal  19     " 


Pedal  pipes       57 


Total  pipes  1809 


1 .  Coupler  to  connect  Pedals  to  Great  Organ. 

2.  Coupler  to  connect  Great  Organ  to  Choir  Organ. 

3.  Coupler  to  connect  Great  Organ  to  Swell. 

Total  32  Stops,  j 

3  Couplers.     | 


ORGAN.  329 

A  Pedal  to  draw  out  at  once  in  the  Great  Organ,  the 
Nighthorn,  12th,    15th,    17th,    Sesquialtra   and 
Cornet. 
A  Pedal  to  push  in  at  once,  all  the  above  stops. 
Height  of  the  Organ  31  feet,  width  19  feet,  depth  13 
feet  in  centre,  which  projects  2  feet  beyond  the  body 
of  the  instrument. 
Total,  32  stops,  1809  pipes,  3  couplers,  1  tremulant, 
2  pedal  movements.     The  weight  of  the  whole  instrument 
is  nearly  eleven  tons.     It  would  cost  to  construct  such  an- 
other, about  6,000  dollars. 

"  And  well  I  love  the  organ's  notes  to  hear 
Sounding  aloud  through  all  the  sacred  pile, 
High  altar,  vaulted  nave,  and  pillar'd  aisle : 

Link'd  with  that  sound,  if  voice  of  anthem  clear 

Alone,  or  chaunt  alternate  win  the  ear, 
Or  mingled  swell  of  many  tongues;  the  while 
The  high-roofd  tower,  and  arches'  lessening  file, 

Send  back  the  pealing  thunder.     Heaven's  blest  sphere 

Resounds  with  song  and  harpings  :  and  I  deem 
The  rich-ton'd  organ  and  symphonious  choir 

Give  taste  of  heaven.     Devotion's  self  may  seem 
From  music's  flame  to  catch  a  warmer  fire ; 

And  wafted  by  her  breath,  as  on  the  steam 
Of  fragrant  incense,  to  the  skies  aspire." 

28* 


BELLS. 


"  And  hark  !  up  the  soft  wind  comes  another  sound,  a  merry 
peal  of  bells.  Ignorant  I  am  of  other  music,  but  I  know  how  I 
love  that  sound." — Scenes  in  our  Parish. 

Within  the  steeple  is  a  ring  of  eight  bells,  which 
were  purchased  in  London  in  1754,  at  a  cost  there  of 
£560.  sterling.  The  whole  weight  of  these  bells  is 
9000  lbs. ;  the  largest  weighing  2040  lbs.  They  are 
always  chimed  on  Sundays  and  holydays,  before  di- 
vine service  ;  and  upon  public  occasions,  when  request 
is  made. 

A  few  years  since  the  largest  of  these  bells  was  bro- 
ken, and  it  was  necessary  to  send  it  to  London  to  be 
recast,  at  an  expense  of  nearly  four  hundred  dollars. 
(Jpon  this  bell  is  the  following  inscription,  viz:  "  Christ 
Church,  Philadelphia.  This  bell,  and  the'rest  of  the 
peal,  were  cast  by  Lester  and  Pack,  of  the  White- 
Chapel  Bell  Foundry,  London,  1754.  Recast  at  the 
same  Foundry,  by  Thomas  Mears,  1835." 

On  each  of  the  other  bells  is  simply  the  inscription, 
"  Thomas  Lester  and  Thomas  Pack,  Fecit  1754." 

They  were  brought  to  this  country  in  the  ship  Myr- 
tilla  ;  and  it  is  said  that  "  the  man  who  put  them  up, 
came  over  in  the  same  vessel,  having  assisted  in  mak- 
ing them  in  London.  He  refused  any  compensation 
for  his  trouble,  on  account  of  the  particular  attach- 
ment he  felt  for  this  work  of  his  hands.  He  merely 
requested  that  at  his  death  they  should  be  muffled 
without  charge.      This  was   accordingly  done,   not 


BELLS.  331 

only  in  his  case,  but  that  of  his  wife."*  The  following 
further  particulars  are  taken  from  a  Philadelphia 
paper,  and  appear  to  be  confirmed,  so  far  as  any  men- 
tion is  made  of  them,  by  the  records  of  the  vestry. 

"  The  chime  of  bells  now  belonging  to  Christ 
Church,  in  this  city,  was  brought  from  England  by  a 
Captain  Budden,  without  charge  of  freight.  Being  the 
first  set  of  bells  that  had  reached  this  country ,f  they 
attracted  great  attention,  and  when  put  into  the  steeple 
were  rung  for  some  time  for  the  gratification  of  the 
natives.  In  order  to  afford  the  country  people  an  op- 
portunity of  hearing  these  wonderful  sounds,  it  was 
agreed  to  have  the  bells  chimed  on  the  evenings  pre- 
ceding market  days  ;  and  crowds  of  the  ■  country  folk* 
would  repair  to  the  church  in  order  to  witness  the 
operation  of  ringing,  a  curiosity  which  the  ringers 
took  care  to  turn  to  their  own  advantage,  by  claim- 
ing a  fee.  We  have  been  told  by  an  old  and  highly 
respectable  citizen,  that  Captain  Budden  became  so  im- 
portant a  personage,  from  having  been  the  bearer  of 
the  bells,  that  they  were  universally  rung  whenever 
his  vessel  arrived  in  port."J 

There  are  few  sounds  more  delightful  than  that  of 
the  music  of  a  chime  of  bells,  "  chanting  their  hea- 
ven-inviting notes,"  on  a  bright  and  cheerful  Sunday 
morning,  as  we  bend  our  footsteps  to  the  house  of 
prayer.  It  is  what  the  pious  Herbert  calls  "  angels' 
music,"  inviting  us  to  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  at- 
tuning our  hearts,  by  its  cheering  sounds,  to  thankful- 
ness and  praise. 

*  Christian  Journal,  vol.  viii.  p.  127, 

t  This  is  a  mistake,  the  chime  of  bells  in  Christ  Church,  Boston, 
was  imported  in  1744. 

X  Christian  Journal,  vol.  xi.  p.  377. 


332  APPENDIX. 

"  The  cheerful  Sabbath  bells  wherever  heard, 
Strike  pleasant  on  the  sense,  most  like  the  voice 
Of  one  who  from  the  far  off  hill,  proclaims 
Tidings  of  good  to  Zion." 

To  those  who  have  been  accustomed,  from  earliest 
childhood,  to  hear  the  melody  of  such  peals,  no  sight 
nor  sound  awakens  so  many  delightful  recollections, 
as  this  "  music  nighest  bordering  upon  heaven." 

"  Those  chimes  that  tell  a  thousand  tales, 

Sweet  tales  of  olden  time  ! 
And  ring  a  thousand  memories 

At  vesper  and  at  prime  ; 
At  bridal  and  at  burial, 

For  cottager  and  king— 
Those  chimes — those  glorious  Christian  chimes, 

How  blessedly  they  ring  !" 

And  that  heart  must  be  cold  indeed,  which  can 
listen  to  them,  without  awakening  to  higher  and  holier 
aspirations. 

"  Those  Sabbath  bells,  those  Sabbath  bells, 

I  hear  them  wake  the  hour  of  prime, 
Each  sound  as  on  the  ear  it  swells, 

Attunes  the  soul  to  praise  sublime. 

"  Those  Sabbath  bells,  those  Sabbath  bells, 

Their  cheerful  chime,  of  worship  tells, 
Such  as  our  fathers  loved  to  raise, 

In  words  devout,  in  songs  of  praise. 

"  May  that  pure  worship  never  fail, 

To  cheer  man  on  through  life's  sad  vale ; 
And  that  sweet  chime  the  Christian  call, 

Till  heaven's  own  Sabbath  circles  all !" 


LIBRARY. 

The  Library  belonging  to  Christ  Church  contains 
many  rare  and  valuable  works  in  theology,  a  part  of 
which  were  probably  brought  out  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Clayton  in  1695,  and  some,  we  know,  were  presented 
by  Queen  Ann.  In  1728,  a  large  donation  of  books, 
mostly  folios,  bound  in  parchment,  was  made  by 
Mr.   Sprogell.      These  volumes  are  labelled; 

Ex  Dono 

Ludovici  Christiani  Sprogell. 

Ad 

Bibliothicam  Ecclesise  Anglicanse, 

in  Philadelphia,  Die  Decembris,  24,  1728. 

In  1741,  several  valuable  works  were  presented  by 
the  Rev.  Archibald  Cummings,  the  rector.  In  1753, 
a  bequest  was  made  to  Christ  Church,  by  the  Rev. 
Charles  Chambres,  A.  M.,  vicar  of  Dartford,  in  Kent, 
England,  through  the  society  for  the  propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  of  three  hundred  and 
forty-seven  volumes;  viz.  121  folios,  19  quartos,  and 
207  octavos.  Mr.  Chambres  appears,  from  several 
sermons  of  his  in  this  collection,  to  have  been  a  cler- 
gyman of  talents  and  learning. 

Some  additions  were  made  to  the  library  at  sub- 
sequent periods,  by  various  individuals,  among  whom 


334  APPENDIX. 

we  find  the  name  of  Jane  Elizabeth,  wife  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Robert  Jenney,  who  died  rector  of  the  church,  in 
1762. 

In  1789,  the  Rev.  S.  Preston,  Rector  of  Chevening 
in  Kent,  England,  presented  the  library  with  a  splen- 
did copy  of  Walton's  Polyglott  Bible,  in  6  volumes 
folio,  London,  1657;  and  Castell's  Lexicon,  in  2 
volumes,  folio,  London,  1659. 

The  Library  is  now  arranged  in  suitable  cases,  in 
a  room  at  the  east  end  of  the  church,  immediately 
over  the  chancel.  The  number  of  volumes  is  784; 
viz.  272  fols.,  120  4to's.,  and  392  8vos.  and  books  of  a 
smaller  size. 


CHRIST  CHURCH  HOSPITAL. 


This  noble  charity  was  founded  and  munificently- 
endowed,  a.  d.  1772,  by  Dr.  John  Kearsley,  who  died 
in  January  of  that  year,  at  the  very  advanced  age  of 
eighty-eight  years.  He  was  for  fifty-three  years  a 
member  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  and  always 
took  an  active  interest  in  all  its  concerns.  To  him, 
more  than  to  any  other  individual,  we  are  indebted  for 
the  present  beautiful  edifice,  he  having  superintended 
the  building  from  the  commencement  to  its  comple- 
tion ;  and  oftentimes  was  in  advance  large  sums  of 
money,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  materials,  and  the 
bills  of  the  workmen.  When  the  present  church  was 
completed,  under  Doctor  Kearsley's  supervision,  in 
1747,  the  vestry  passed  a  vote  of  thanks,  and  ordered 
a  silver  cup  to  be  presented  to  him,  of  the  value  of  forty 
pounds,  "  for  his  care  and  trouble  in  rebuilding  and 
ornamenting  the  church,  and  as  a  lasting  memorial 
and  grateful  acknowledgment  of  his  services  done  for 
this  church  and  congregation." 

Dr.  Kearsley  left  by  his  will  a  very  large  part  of 
his  estate,  both  real  and  personal,  in  trust,  to  the  cor- 
poration of  the  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and 
St.  Peter's,  to  found  the  institution  which  he  named 
"CHRIST  CHURCH  HOSPITAL;"  the  design  of 
which  is  to  afford  a  comfortable  home  for  respectable, 
aged,  indigent  females ;  or,  in  the  language  of  the  tes- 
tator, "  for  the  support  of  ten  or  more  poor  or  dis- 


336  APPENDIX. 

tressed  women,  of  the  communion  of  the  church  of 
England,  or  such  as  the  said  corporation  and  their 
successors  shall  deem  such ;  preferring  clergymen's 
widows  before  others,  and  supplying  them  with  meat, 
drink,  and  lodging,  and  the  assistance  of  persons  prac- 
tising physic  and  surgery." 

At  present  there  are  thirty-eight  inmates  in  this 
asylum,  which  are  as  many  as  the  building  can  com- 
fortably accommodate.  They  have  every  comfort 
that  could  be  had  in  the  best  regulated  private  board- 
ing house.  A  physician  attends  them  whenever  his 
services  are  required ;  and  weekly  religious  services 
are  performed  at  the  house,  to  accommodate  those 
who  are  too  infirm  to  go  out  to  the  places  of  public 
worship.  On  these  occasions  the  rectors  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's  respectively,  in  their  turns, 
read  the  daily  service  of  the  church,  and  deliver  a 
lecture. 

The  first  building  occupied  as  an  hospital  was  a 
small  two  story  house,  No.  Ill  Arch  street,  which 
could  accommodate  only  eight  persons.  This  was 
pulled  down  in  1785,  and  a  three  story  building,  34 
feet  deep,  was  erected  on  the  same  spot. 

This  last  building  having  become  entirely  inadequate 
to  the  accommodation  of  its  inmates,  a  spacious  edi- 
fice was  erected  on  Cherry  street,  in  1818,  and  opened 
in  March,  1819.  It  is  60  feet  front  by  40  feet  in 
depth,  and  contains  twenty-two  rooms.  The  whole 
cost  of  the  building  alone  was  nearly  nineteen  thou- 
sand dollars. 

In  January,  1789,  Joseph  Dobbins,  Esq.  of  South 
Carolina,  gave  to  this  institution  five  hundred  pounds, 
and  two  lots  of  land  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 


HOSPITAL.  337 

Mr.  Dobbins  died  on  the  29th  of  May,  1804,  at  Co- 
lumbia, S.  C,  aged  seventy-one  years  ;  leaving,  as  his 
will  expresses  it,  "  all  his  estate,  real  and  personal, 
consisting  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-six  shares  in 
the  Bank  of  South  Carolina,  together  with  other  pro 
perty  amounting  to  six  thousand  dollars  or  thereabouts, 
to  the  poor  and  distressed  widows,  supported  by  the 
bounty  of  Doctor  Kearsley,  in  Christ  Church  Hospital.'' 

Thus,  through  the  pious  munificence  of  two  indivi- 
duals, one  of  the  most  useful  benevolent  institutions  in 
our  country,  has  been  amply  endowed,  and  the  de- 
clining years  of  many  a  poor  and  aged  widow,  have 
been  rendered  comfortable  and  happy.  "  Blessed  is 
the  man  that  provideth  for  the  sick  and  needy ;  the 
Lord  shall  deliver  him  in  the  time  of  trouble." 


29 


ARCHITECT'S   LETTER. 

Referred  to  in  page  247. 

To  the  Committee  on  the  alteration  of  Christ  Church. 
Gentlemen, 

In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  have  examined 
Christ  Church,  with  reference  to  the  proposed  altera- 
tion of  the  gallery  into  32  slip-pews,  and  find  it  prac- 
ticable without  altering  the  present  appearance  of  the 
church.  It  will  be  necessary  to  strengthen  the  gallery 
by  trussing  the  front  on  the  inside ;  this  may  be  ac- 
complished without  removing  the  panneling  on  the 
outside.  In  its  present  situation  I  think  it  unsafe ;  it 
has  already  yielded  to  the  superincumbent  weight, 
and  the  deflection  of  the  timbers  composing  the  front 
is  evident. 

The  galleries  were  originally  supported  by  addi- 
tional columns ;  these  should  not  have  been  removed 
without  substituting  some  other  support.  The  afore- 
said alteration  of  the  pews  and  strengthening  of  the 
galleries,  will  cost  four  hundred  dollars.  This  estimate 
does  not  include  cutting  down  the  front  of  the  galle- 
ries, which  I  think  would  not  be  necessary  in  so  par- 
tial an  alteration.  If  the  fronts  of  the  side  galleries  be 
made  lower,  the  organ  gallery  must  also  be  altered  in 
the  same  manner ;  all  which  would  cost  fifty  dollars 
additional. 


architect's   letter.  339 

You  further  requested  me  to  suggest  such  other 
improvements  as  would  tend  to  the  comfort  of  the 
congregation,  and  the  beauty  of  the  house.  This 
to  me  is  by  no  means  an  unpleasant  duty,  as  I 
have  often  looked  with  regret  at  the  many  innova- 
tions on  the  original  purity  of  the  architecture  of 
'Christ  Church ;  and  it  affords  me  pleasure  to  think 
that  there  is  some  hope  of  its  restoration  to  its  pristine 
beauty. 

1.  First.  I  suggest  that  the  organ  be  moved  to 
within  three  feet  of  the  west  wall,  the  attic  gallery 
taken  away,  and  the  bellows  placed  in  the  steeple ; 
the  gallery  for  the  choir  reduced  in  width,  and  so 
arranged  as  not  to  mar  the  harmony  of  the  original 
architecture  ;  and  the  stairs  to  the  organ  gallery  from 
the  steeple  made  more  convenient.  .  The  organ  at 
present  being  so  far  from  the  walls  of  the  house,  and 
the  space  behind  it  being  broken  up  with  the  bellows 
gallery,  the  effect  of  the  music  is  much  injured ;  it  is 
also  impolitic  to  have  so  many  of  the  best  pews  in  the 
house  covered  with  the  organ  gallery. 

2.  The  whole  architectural  effect  of  the  interior  is 
injured  by  the  hanging  of  the  galleries  to  those  beau- 
tiful Doric  columns.  I  therefore  recommend  that  the 
whole  of  the  galleries  be  taken  down  and  rebuilt,  so  as 
to  be  lower  at  the  front  than  they  are  at  present ;  and 
to  clear  the  large  columns,  they  may  be  supported 
from  said  columns  by  means  of  strong  cast  iron  brack- 
ets, so  fixed  in  the  gallery  front,  as  not  to  be  seen. 
This  arrangement  will  produce  36  comfortable  slip- 
pews  in  the  galleries,  exclusive  of  ample  accommoda- 
tions for  the  choir. 


340  APPENDIX. 

3.  I  propose  that  all  the  old  pews  on  the  principal 
floor  of  the  church  be  removed,  and  132  new  slip- 
pews  substituted ;  these  should  be  constructed  with 
reference  to  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  the  con- 
gregation, ihe  backs  should  be  made  not  more  than 
three  feet  high  above  the  floor,  and  to  deviate  from  a 
perpendicular  line  in  the  same  manner  as  the  back  of 
an  ordinary  chair  ;  the  seats  should  incline  back  so  as 
to  make  the  pews  comfortable. 

4.  I  recommend  that  the  whole  church  be  floored 
and  carpeted ;  the  stones  in  the  aisles  may  remain 
where  they  now  are,  and  be  covered  with  the  floor ; 
should  any  of  the  relatives  of  the  deceased  wish  the 
stones  to  appear,  they  may  be  inserted  in  the  wooden 
floor  without  difficulty. 

5.  The  present  manner  of  heating  the  church  is 
quite  ineffectual,  and  the  stove-pipes  and  flues  mar  the 
beauty  of  the  architecture.  I  therefore  suggest  the 
propriety  of  removing  all  the  stoves,  the  pipes  and  the 
flues  in  the  N.  W.  and  S.  W.  corners  of  the  church  ; 
and  in  lieu  thereof,  I  propose  to  construct  a  large  fur- 
nace for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  church  with 
rarified  air.  A  cellar  may  be  excavated  under 
or  near  the  door  leading  from  the  vestry  room  to 
the  nave  of  the  church,  and  the  furnace  built  in 
this  cellar,  the  rarified  air  to  be  admitted  into  the 
church  through  an  iron  grating  made  in  the  floor. 
This  I  believe  to  be  the  only  method  by  which  the 
church  can  be  warmed  effectually,  the  ceiling  being 
so  very  high.  By  this  manner  of  heating,  we  may 
obtain  comfort,  without  marring  the   beauty  of  the 


architect's   letter.  341 

church,    or    interrupting    the   worship,    by   making 
fires,  &c. 

6.  The  eastern  window  opening  into  the  church,  is 
altogether  useless  for  purposes  of  light,  and  must  be  a 
great  annoyance  to  the  congregation,  yet  it  is  of  im- 
portance to  the  architecture  to  retain  it ;  this  may  be 
done  and  its  inconvenience  avoided,  by  placing  per- 
manent blinds,  each  slat  to  be  so  wide  as  to  prevent 
any  possibility  of  seeing  through  from  any  attainable 
position  in  the  house ;  by  this  means,  all  the  glare  of 
light  may  be  destroyed,  and  the  beauty  of  the  window 
preserved.  I  also  suggest  the  propriety  of  making  an 
additional  sash  in  the  window,  on  the  outside  of  the 
blinds,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  out  the  noise  from 
Second  street. 

7.  If  these  alterations  are  made,  it  will  be  necessa- 
ry to  paint  the  whole  interior  of  the  Church,  including 
the  walls. 

I  have  estimated  the  expense  of  making  all  the 
aforementioned  alterations  and  improvements,  and 
am  of  opinion,  that  the  whole  may  be  accomplished 
for  three  thousand  dollars. 

The  propriety  of  reducing  the  heighth  of  the  ceiling 
and  making  it  a  flat  surface,  has  been  suggested ; 
this  would  make  the  house  easier  to  speak  in,  and  it 
could  be  warmed  with  more  facility ;  but  this  al- 
teration would  completely  ruin  the  architecture  of  the 
building,  and  destroy  all  that  dignity  and  ecclesi- 
astical effect  so  completely  attained  in  this  venerable 
fabric. 

It  has  also  been  proposed  to  remove  the  stairs  on 
each  side  of  the  pulpit,  and  extend  the  galleries  to  the 
29* 


342  APPENDIX. 

east  wall  of  the  house  ;  this  would  also  mar  the  sym- 
metry of  the  work ;  it  is  now  a  beautiful  arrangement  ; 
all  the  parts  in  the  ceiling  of  the  chancel  repose  on 
corresponding  parts  in  the  sides  ;  there  is  now  perfect 
symmetry  and  harmony  in  all  the  proportions,  which  I 
would  regret  to  see  violated. 

I  have  proposed  nothing  but  what  would  have  a 
tendency  to  restore  the  church  to  its  pristine  beauty. 
I  cannot  conceive  that  the  original  architect  ever  in- 
tended to  put  the  organ  in  the  middle  of  the  church, 
and  support  it  on  columns  that  have  no  sort  of  anal- 
ogy with  the  rest  of  the  architecture  ;  neither  do  I  think 
that  he  intended  to  mar  his  beautiful  and  massive 
columns  by  thrusting  into  their  sides  a  tremendous 
gallery.  He  no  doubt  intended  to  have  a  gallery,  from 
the  fact  of  his  making  two  stories  of  windows,  but  it 
is  just  as  certain  that  he  intended  the  gallery  to  fall 
back  from  the  columns. 

The  detail  of  the  arrangement  of  the  pews  and  the 
church  floor,  are  of  minor  importance,  as  it  regards 
the  architectural  effect ;  comfort  and  convenience 
should  govern  us  in  this  particular. 

As  it  regards  the  manner  of  heating  the  church,  the 
plan  suggested  approximates  nearer  to  the  designs  of 
the  original  architect  than  we  can  attain  to  in  any 
other  way.  It  is  a  fact  well  known,  that  when  Christ 
Church  was  erected,  no  fires  were  used  in  churches ; 
warming  places  of  worship  is  a  very  late  improve- 
ment, consequently,  in  the  architectural  disposition  of 
the  parts,  no  provision  was  made  for  flues  &c,  the 
introduction  of  which  can  be  considered  as  nothing 
less  than  an  interpolation  in  the  original  design. 


343 


It  would  afford  me  great  pleasure  to  see  the  interior 
of  Christ  Church  restored  to  its  primitive  beauty,  and 
made  to  combine  the  comfort  and  conveniencies  of 
modern  times. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
Your  obedient  servant, 

Thos.  U.  Walter,  Architect. 
Philadelphia,  April  29th,  1834. 

To  Messrs.  Kempton,  White  and  Wheeler,  committee 
on  the  alteration  of  Christ  Church. 


REPORT  OF  A  COMMITTEE 

ON  THE  STEEPLE. 


Referred  to  in  page  270. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  on 
Wednesday,  Sept  5,  1838,  the  following  report  was 
laid  before  them  by  the  committee  of  repairs  : 

The  subscribers  having  been  applied  to  by  a  com- 
mittee of  the  vestry  of  Christ  Church,  to  make  a  sur- 
vey of  the  steeple  belonging  to  that  edifice,  in  order  to 
ascertain  its  actual  condition, 

REPORT: 

That  after  a  careful  examination  of  the  said  steeple, 
they  are  enabled  to  say,  and  they  do  so  with  peculiar 
satisfaction ;  that  they  found  it  to  be  in  an  excellent 
state  of  preservation. 

The  lower  part,  or  brick  tower,  appears  to  be  in  as 
good  or  better  condition  than  it  has  ever  before  been 
in ;  the  improvements  lately  made  being  well  calcu- 
lated to  preserve,  as  well  as  to  adorn  it,  the  interstices 
between  the  bricks  have  been  carefully  filled,  wher- 
ever required,  with  durable  cement;  a  substantial 
copper  roof  has  been  laid  over  the  wooden  one  ;  the 
windows  throughout  have  been  furnished  with  new 
sashes,  glazed  with  thick  and  strong  glass,  and  the 
whole  painted  in  the  best  manner. 


REPORT     ON     THE     STEEPLE.        345 

The  interior  of  the  tower  has  also  been  thoroughly 
repaired ;  the  vestibule  and  belfry  have  been  newly 
plastered,  painted,  and  generally  put  in  neat  and  per- 
fect order. 

In  the  examination  of  the  superstructure,  the  sub- 
scribers were  highly  pleased,  as  well  as  surprised,  to 
find  no  symptoms  of  decay  ;  the  timbers  and  framing 
are  evidently  sound  and  strong,  and  show  every  indi- 
cation of  enduring  for  a  very  long  period.  Some  tri- 
fling repairs  and  works  of  precaution,  suggested  by 
the  subscribers,  after  a  previous  inspection,  have  been 
completed,  and  seem  to  embrace  all  that  is  neces- 
sary to  secure  the  structure  from  accident  or  decay. 
Amongst  these  it  may  be  well  to  notice  a  new  floor- 
ing of  copper  to  the  lanthorn  to  protect  it  against  fire, 
to  which  there  has  been  added  a  roof,  also  of  copper, 
by  direction  of  the  committee. 

The  bells,  and  the  framing  in  which  they  are  sus- 
pended, are  in  perfect  order,  and  entirely  secure. 

The  surveyors  cannot  pass  over,  without  commen- 
dation, the  painting  and  decoration  of  the  steeple. 

The  paint,  which  they  are  informed  is  of  the  manu- 
facture of  Messrs.  Wetherills,  is  of  a  quality  greatly 
superior  to  any  they  have  hitherto  met  with,  and  has 
a  rich  and  glossy  appearance  that  does  not  fail  to 
arrest  the  attention  of  every  beholder  ;  and  the  paint- 
ing is  done  with  great  fidelity,  and  in  so  masterly  a 
manner  that  it  will  doubtless  secure  to  the  painter  who 
laid  it  on,  Mr.  William  D.  Jones,  a  permanent  repu- 
tation. 

Although  not  specially  called  on  to  view  the  im- 
provements in  the  body  of  the  church,  the  subscribers 


346  APPENDIX. 

could  not  omit  the  opportunity  offered,  to  make  a 
close  inspection  of  the  thorough  restoration  it  has  un- 
dergone, and  gladly  avail  themselves  of  this  occasion 
to  bear  testimony  to  the  faithfulness  of  the  work  done, 
and  to  declare  their  conviction  that  this  ancient  and 
venerable  edifice  is  now  in  a  state  of  conformity  with 
the  original  design  of  the  architect,  and  likely  to  con- 
tinue for  a  long  time,  as  it  always  has  been,  a  cher- 
ished object  of  the  affections  and  pride  of  Philadel- 
phians. 

Philip  Justus, 
John  M.  Ogden, 
Daniel  Smith. 
Philadelphia,  September  5,  1838. 

Whereupon,  it  was  on  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  report  to  the  committee  of  re- 
pairs, signed  by  Messrs.  Philip  Justus,  John  M.  Ogden 
and  Daniel  Smith,  the  gentlemen  whose  services  in 
the  survey  and  examination  of  the  church  were  so 
kindly  volunteered,  is  very  satisfactory  and  particu- 
larly acceptable  to  the  vestry  ;  and  that  they  cordially 
unite  with  them  in  the  commendation  bestowed  on  the 
workmanship  and  materials  employed  in  repairing, 
painting,  and  embellishing  the  edifice. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  vestry  be  pre- 
sented to  those  gentlemen  for  the  prompt  and  liberal 
manner  in  which  they  met  the  application  of  the  com- 
mittee, and  the  fidelity  with  which  they  have  executed 
the  survey. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

(Signed)        Wade  T.  Smith,  Secretary. 

September  5,  1838. 


MISCELLANEOUS 


The  following  table  exhibits  the  number  of  Bap- 
tisms and  Confirmations,  and  the  whole  number  of 
Communicants  in  each  year,  since  the  separation  of 
the  churches. 


Baptisms. 

Confirmations. 

Communicants 

1833 

-     - 

-     40     - 

-      - 

21    -    - 

- 

126 

1834 

-     - 

-     45     - 

-      - 

10    -    - 

- 

142 

1835 

-     - 

-     43     - 

-      - 

13     -     - 

- 

156 

1836 

-     - 

-     46     - 

-      - 

35     -     - 

- 

197 

1837* 

-     - 

-     23     - 

•      i 

5     -     - 

- 

176 

1838 

-     - 

-     69     - 

-      - 

58     -     - 

- 

220 

1839 

-     - 

-     49     - 

-      - 

40     -     - 

- 

250 

1840 

-     - 

-     73     - 

-      - 

46     -     - 

- 

318 

1841 

-     - 

-     57     - 

-      - 

26     -     - 

- 

340 

SUNDAY 

SCHOOLS 

A  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  this  parish  in 
1816;  there  being  at  that  time  no  other  parochial 
Sunday  school  in  the  city,  excepting  the  one  connected 
with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  corner  of  Arch  and 
Third  streets,  which  was  established  three  months  be- 
fore. 


*  This  embraces  the  period  subsequent  to  the  decease  of  the  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  White,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  James,  when  the  church  was  with- 
out a  rector  for  nearly  a  year.  In  the  above  table,  each  year  is  con- 
sidered as  ending  in  May  ;  when  the  parochial  reports  are  made  to  the 
Diocesan  Convention. 


348  APPENDIX. 

A  large  three  story  building,  in  the  rear  of  the 
church,  is  exclusively  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the 
schools,  of  which  there  are  three,  under  the  supervi- 
sion of  the  rector,  assisted  by  two  superintendents  and 
fifty  teachers.  The  number  of  scholars  is  about  three 
hundred.  There  are  also  two  female  bible  classes, 
which  meet  in  a  room  in  the  church,  corresponding 
with  the  vestry  room. 

On  the  first  Sunday  afternoon  of  each  month,  all  the 
children  connected  with  the  schools  assemble  in  the 
body  of  the  church;  and,  after  Evening  Prayers,  are 
catechised  by  the  rector,  in  presence  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

SERVICES. 

The  church  is  open  for  divine  service,  on  Wednes- 
day and  Friday  morning,  throughout  the  year ;  and 
on  all  holy  days. 

The  Holy  Communion  is  administered  on  the  first 
Sunday  of  each  month  ;  and  on  Christmas  day,  Easter 
Sunday,  and  Whit-Sunday. 

The  quarterly  collections  for  church  objects  are 
made  in  January,  April,  June  and  October. 


CHARTER 


OF  THE  UNITED  CHURCHES  OP 


CHRIST  CHURCH  AND  ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH, 


IN    THE    CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA,    IN   THE    PROVINCE 
OF    PENNSYLVANIA. 

THOMAS  PENN  and  RICHARD  PENN,  true  and  absolute  Pro- 
prietaries  of  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania,  and  counties  of  New- 
castle, Kent,  and  Sussex,  on  Delaware,  to  all  persons  to  whom  these 
presents  shall  come,  Greeting : 

Whereas  divers  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of 
England,  residing  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  have,  at  a 
very  considerable  expense,  erected  and  built  two  churches 
in  the  said  city,  the  one  called  Christ  Church,  and  the 
other  St.  Peter's  Church : 

And  whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  us  by  the  Rev- 
erend Richard  Peters,  the  present  rector  of  the  said  Epis- 
copal churches  in  the  said  city,  Charles  Stedman  and 
Townsend  White,  the  present  church  wardens  of  the  said 
churches,  John  Kearsley,  Jacob  Duche,  John  Ross,  Alex- 
ander Stedman,  Edward  Duffield,  Joseph  Swift,  Joseph 
Sims,  Joseph  Stamper,  Thomas  Gordon,  Peter  Turner, 
senior,  William  *PywelI,  James  Humphreys,  Henry  Harri- 
son, Joseph  Redman,  William  Bingham,  Redmond  fCun- 
ningham,  William  Plumstead,  and  Peter  Sonmans,  the  pre- 
sent vestrymen  of  the  said  churches,  that  for  want  of  a 
corporate  body  in  either  of  the  said  churches,  capable  of 

*  PyeweU,  tConyngham. 

30 


350 


APPENDIX. 


taking  or  holding  by  law  the  donations,  grants,  and  be- 
quests of  divers  charitable  and  well  disposed  persons,  here- 
tofore made  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  said  churches,  or 
either  of  them,  and  for  and  towards  the  support  and  main- 
tenance of  the  rector  and  minister  thereof,  have  been  lost, 
and  the  pious  intentions  of  the  donors  frustrated  and  defeat- 
ed ;  and  that  all  funds  and  provisions  that  may  or  can  be 
established  for  the  good  purposes  aforesaid  will  be  precarious 
and  ineffectual,  until  a  suitable  remedy  is  provided  in  that 
behalf:  Wherefore  they  have  prayed  us  to  incorporate  them, 
by,  the  name  of  The  Rector,  Church  Wardens,  and  Vestry 
Men  of  the  United  Churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  Province  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  that  they  and  their  successors,  by  such 
name,  may  be  erected  and  constituted  a  body  politick  and 
corporate,  and  have  perpetual  succession  :  Now  know  ye', 
that  we,  favouring  the  prayer  and  application  of  the  said 
rector,  church-wardens  and  vestry-men,  and  willing  as 
much  as  in  us  lies,  to  encourage  virtue,  piety,  and  charity, 
and  for  other  good  causes  and  considerations  us  thereto 
specially  moving,  have  granted,  ordained,  declared,  con- 
stituted and  appointed,  and  do,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, by  these  presents,  grant,  ordain,  declare,  consti- 
tute and  appoint,  that  the  said  Reverend  Richard  Peters, 
rector,  Charles  Stedman  and  Townsend  White,  church- 
wardens, John  Kearsley,  Jacob  Duche,  John  Ross,  Alex- 
ander Stedman,  Edward  Duffield,  Joseph  Swift,  Joseph 
Sims,  Joseph  Stamper,  Thomas  Gordon,  Peter  Turner, 
senior,  William  Pywell,  James  Humphreys,  Henry  Harri- 
son, Joseph  Redman,  William  Bingham,  Redmond  Cun- 
ningham, William  Plumstead,  and  Peter  Sonmans,  and 
their  successors,  duly  elected  and  nominated  in  their  place 
and  stead,  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  created  one  corpora- 
tion and  body  politick,  to  have  continuance  forever,  by  the 


CHARTER.  351 

name  of  The  Rector,  Church-Wardens  and  Vestry-Men  of 
the  United  Episcopal  Churches  of  Christ-Church  and  St. 
Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  Pro- 
vince of  Pennsylvania. 

And  we  do  hereby,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors, 
grant,  ordain,  and  declare,  that  the  said   rector,  church- 
wardens and  vestry-men,  and  their  successors,  by  the  name 
aforesaid,   shall  forever    hereafter    be   persons    able  and 
capable  in  law  to  purchase,  have,  receive,  take,  hold,  and 
enjoy,  in  fee-simple,  or  any  other  lesser  estate  or  estates, 
any  lands,  tenements,  rents,  annuities,  liberties,  franchises 
and  other  hereditaments,  within  the  said  province  of  Penn- 
sylvania, or  the  three  lower  counties  of  Newcastle,  Kent, 
and  Sussex,  on  Delaware,  by  the  gift,  grant,  bargain,  sale, 
alienation,  enfeoffment,  release,  confirmation  or  devise  of 
any  person  or  persons,  bodies  politick  or  corporate,  capa- 
ble to  make  the  same :  And  further,  that  the  said  corpora- 
tion, and  their  successors,  may  take  and  receive  any  sum 
or  sums  of  money,  and  any  kind,  manner  or  portion  of 
goods  and  chattels,  that  shall  be  given  or  bequeathed  to 
them  by  any  person  or  persons,  bodies  politick  and  corpo- 
rate, capable   to  make  a  bequest  or  gift  thereof;  such 
money  to  be  laid  out  by  them  in  a  purchase  or  purchases 
of  lands,  tenements,  messuages,  houses,  rents,  or  heredita- 
ments, to  them  and  their  successors  forever. 

And  we  will  and  require,  that  the  rents  and  revenues  of 
the  said  rector,  church-wardens  and  vestry-men,  and  their 
successors,  be  from  time  to  time  applied  by  the  said  rector, 
church-wardens  and  vestry-men,  and  their  successors,  for 
the  maintenance  and  support  of  the  rector,  ministers  and 
officers  of  the  said  United  Churches,  and  in  the  necessary 
repairs  of  the  said  United  Churches,  and  their  church- 
yards and  parsonage  houses,  and  other  houses  which  do 
now,  or  hereafter  shall,  belong  to  the  said  united  churches  or 
either  of  them,  and  to  no  other  use  or  purpose  whatsoever. 


352  APPENDIX. 

And  we  further  will  and  require,  that  the  said  rector, 
church-wardens  and  vestry-men,  and  their  successors,  shall 
not  by  deed,  fine  or  recovery,  or  by  any  other  ways  or 
means,  grant,  alien,  or  otherwise  dispose  of  any  manors, 
messuages,  lands,  tenements  or  hereditaments,  in  them  and 
their  successors  to  be  vested,  nor  change  nor  encumber 
the  same  to  any  person  or  persons  whomsoever. 

And  we  do  further,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  au- 
thorize and  empower  the  said  rector,  churchwardens,  ves- 
trymen, and  their  successors,  or  a  majority  of  them,  met 
from  time  to  time,  to  make  rules,  by-laws  and  ordinances, 
and  to  do  every  thing  needful  for  the  good  government  and 
support  of  the  said  churches :  Provided  always,  that  the 
said  rules,  by-laws,  and  ordinances  be  not  repugnant  to  the 
laws  and  statutes  in  force  in  the  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain, 
nor  to  the  laws  and  statutes  in  force  in  the  said  Province  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  be  entered  in  the  vestry  book. 

And  we  do  hereby  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  rector, 
churchwardens  and  vestrymen,  and  their  successors,  full 
power  and  authority  to  make,  have  and  use  one  common 
seal,  with  such  device  and  inscription  as  they  shall  think 
proper,  and  the  same  to  change,  break,  alter  and  renew,  at 
their  pleasure. 

And  we  do  hereby  grant  and  ordain,  that  the  said  rector, 
churchwardens  and  vestrymen,  and  their  successors,  by  the 
name  before  mentioned,  shall  be  able  in  law  to  sue  and  be 
sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  in  any  court  or  courts,  be- 
fore any  judge,  judges  or  justices,  within  the  said  province 
of  Pennsylvania,  or  said  counties  on  Delaware,  in  all  and 
all  manner  of  suits,  complaints,  pleas,  causes,  matters  and 
demands,  of  whatsoever  kind,  nature  or  form  they  be  ;  and 
all  and  every  other  matter  or  thing  therein  to  do,  in  as  full 
and  effectual  a  manner,  as  any  other  person  or  persons, 
bodies  politick  or  corporate,  within  that  part  of  Great 
Britain  called  England,   or  within   the  said   province  of 


CHARTER.  353 

Pennsylvania,  or  the  lower  counties  aforesaid,  in  the  like 
cases  may  or  can  do. 

And  we  do  further,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors, 
grant,  ordain,  and  declare,  that  the  vestry  of  the  said 
united  churches  shall  always  consist  of  twenty  persons, 
members  of  the  said  churches,  or  one  of  them  ;  of  which 
number  the  churchwardens  are  always  to  be  two  ;  and  that 
the  election  of  such  vestry  shall  be  made  every  year,  on 
Easter  Monday,  by  a  majority  of  such  members  of  the 
said  churches  as  shall  appear  by  the  vestry  books  to  have 
paid,  three  successive  years  preceding  the  time  of  such 
election,  for  a  pew  or  sitting  in  either  of  the  said  churches, 
who  only  shall  have  a  right  to  vote  for  the  vestrymen  of 
the  said  united  churches. 

And  we  do  further  give  and  grant  to  the  said  vestry, 
then  so  elected,  full  power  to  chose  their  own  officers,  and 
to  elect  and  choose  annually,  and  every  year,  one  of  their 
own  members  to  be  one  churchwarden  of  the  said  united 
churches;  and  the  rector  for  the  time  being  shall  choose 
another  of  the  said  vestrymen,  to  be  the  other  churchwar- 
den of  the  said  united  churches:  Provided  always,  nev- 
ertheless, that  in  case  of  the  death  of  a  rector  of  the 
said  united  churches,  we  will  and  ordain,  that  from  the 
death  of  such  rector,  and  until  another  rector  shall  be  duly 
appointed,  and  approved  for  the  said  churches,  agreeable  to 
former  method  and  usage,  the  churchwardens  for  the  time 
being,  with  the  consent  of  the  major  part  of  the  whole 
vestrymen,  in  vestry  met,  shall  have  the  same  power 
and  authorities  relating  to  the  disposition  of  the  rents  and 
revenues  of  the  said  corporation,  as  is  hereinbefore  vested 
in  the  rector,  churchwardens  and  vestrymen. 

And  lastly,  we  do,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  grant, 
declare  and  ordain,  that  these  our  letters  patent  and  char- 
ter, and  every  clause,  sentence,  and  article,  herein  con- 
30* 


354  APPENDIX. 

tained,  shall  be  in  all  things  firm,  valid,  sufficient,  and  effect- 
ual in  the  law,  unto  the  said  rector,  churchwardens  and 
vestrymen,  community  and  corporation,  and  their  succes- 
sors forever,  according  to  the  purport  and  tenor  hereof, 
without  any  further  grant  from  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, to  be  procured  or  obtained  :  Provided  always, 
and  it  is  hereby  declared  and  ordained,  that  the  clear 
yearly  value  of  the  messuages,  houses,  lands,  tenements, 
rents,  annuities,  or  other  hereditaments  and  real  estate 
of  the  said  corporation,  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  six 
hundred  pounds  sterling,  exclusive  of  the  moneys  aris- 
ing from  the  letting  of  the  pews  belonging  to  the  said 
churches,  or  either  of  them,  and  also  exclusive  of  the 
moneys  arising  from  opening  the  ground  for  burials  in 
the  churchyards  belonging  to  the  said  churches,  or  either 
of  them,  which  said  moneys  shall,  as  it  is  now,  be  disposed 
of  by  the  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  for  the  time  being, 
for  the  purposes  herein  before  mentioned.  In  testimony 
whereof,  we  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made 
patent,  and  the  great  seal  of  our  said  province  to  be  here- 
unto  affixed.  Witness  John  Penn,  Esq.,  our  lieutenant 
governour  and  commander  in  chief  in  and  over  our  said 
province  of  Pennsylvania,  and  counties  of  Newcastle,  Kent 
and  Sussex,  on  Delaware,  this  twenty-fourth  day  of  June, 
in  the  fifth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign  lord,  George 
the  Third,  king  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Ireland,  de- 
fender of  the  faith,  &c.  And  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-five. 

Signed, 

John  Penn. 


AN   ACT, 

Enlarging  and  altering-  the  Charter  of  the  Rector,  Church-Wardens, 
and  Vestrymen  of  the  United  Episcopal  Churches  of  Christ-Church 
and  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia  in  the  province  of 
Pennsylvania ;  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned. 

Whereas  the  rector,  church-wardens,  and  vestry-men 
of  the  United  Episcopal  Churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St. 
Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  by  their  peti- 
tion to  this  General  Assemby  have  represented  that  on  the 
twenty-fourth  day  of  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-five,  a  charter  was  grant- 
ed by  the  then  proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania  to  divers  mem- 
bers of  the  Episcopal  Church  at  that  time  called  the  Church 
of  England,  residing  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  who  were 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  "  The  Rector,  Church-War- 
dens, and  Vestrymen  of  the  United  Episcopal  Churches  of 
Christ-Church  and  St.  Peter's  Church  in  the  City  of  Phila- 
delphia in  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania  ;"  that  in  conse- 
quence of  the  increase  of  the  members  of  the  said  churches, 
there  were  many  who  could  not  be  accommodated  with 
convenient  seats,  and  they,  therefore,  at  a  considerable  ex- 
pense, had  lately  built  another  church  in  the  said  city, 
called  St.  James's  Church  ;  that  it  was  the  wish  of  the  mem- 
bers of  these  three  churches  to  be  united  under  one  char- 
ter, to  be  made  as  comformable  as  conveniently  might  be 
to  the  charter  aforesaid;  and  the  said  petitioners  therefore 
prayed  that  an  act  might  be  passed  enlarging  and  altering 
the  said  old  charter  only  in  the  particular  matters  herein- 
after enumerated,  and  that  in  all  other  respects,  the  said 
old  charter  might  be  confirmed,  That  is  to  say : 


356  APPENDIX. 

1.  That  the  name  of  the  corporation  in  future  might  be 
"  The  Rector,  Church-Wardens,  and  Vestrymen  of  the 
United  Churches  of  Christ-Church,  St.  Peter's  Church, 
and  St.  James's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia." 

2.  That  the  Rules,  By-Laws,  and  Ordinances  of  the 
rector,  church-wardens,  and  vestrymen  should  not  be  re- 
pugnant to  the  laws  of  the  Commonweulth  of  Pennsylvania 
or  of  the  United  States. 

3.  That  at  the  next  election  of  vestrymen,  and  forever 
thereafter,  the  vestry  of  the  three  united  churches  should 
consist  of  twenty-four  persons,  members  of  the  said 
churches  or  one  of  them. 

4.  That  the  annual  income  of  the  property  of  the  corpo- 
ration should  not  exceed  six  thousand  dollars  exclusive  of 
the  moneys  arising  from  the  letting  of  the  pews  belonging 
to  the  said  churches,  or  either  of  them,  and  also  exclusive 
of  the  moneys  arising  from  opening  the  ground  for  burials 
in  the  church  yards  belonging  to  the  said  churches  or  either 
of  them  ;  and  it  appears  to  the  General  Assembly  just  and 
reasonable  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  should  be 
granted.     Therefore 

Sect.  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Re- 
presentatives of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania  in 
general  assembly  met,  and  it  is  hereby  enacted  by  the 
authority  of  the  same  :  That  from  and  after  the  passing  of 
this  act,  the  aforesaid  charter  granted  by  the  former  pro- 
prietaries of  Pennsylvania,  shall  be  enlarged  so  as  to  com- 
prehend and  unite  the  said  three  churches  of  Christ  Church, 
St.  Peter's  Church,  and  St.  James's  Church ;  and  the  rents 
and  revenues  of  the  corporation  shall  be  applied  to  the 
maintenance  and  support  of  the  rector,  ministers  and  offi- 
cers of  the  said  three  united  churches,  and  the  necessary 
repairs  of  the  said  churches  and  their  church  yards  and 
parsonage  houses,  and  other  houses  which  do  now  or  here- 


ADDITION     TO     CHARTER.  357 

after  shall  belong  to  the  said  united  churches  and  to  no 
other  use  or  purpose  whatever  ;  and  instead  of  the  name 
aforesaid,  in  the  old  charter  mentioned,  the  name  of  the 
corporation  shall  be  "  The  Rector,  Church-Wardens,  and 
Vestrymen  of  the  United  Churches  of  Christ  Church,  St. 
Peter's  Church,  and  St.  James's  Church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia."  And  the  members  of  the  said  St.  James's 
Church  shall  have  and  enjoy  all  rights  and  privileges 
which  under  the  old  charter  aforesaid  are  had  and  enjoyed 
by  the  members  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's  Church 
aforesaid,  or  either  of  them,  and  no  other,  except  that 
until  and  at  the  election  for  vestrymen  to  be  held  on  Eas- 
ter Monday  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  eighteen  hundred  and 
thirteen,  and  no  longer,  the  members  of  the  church  of  St. 
James  who  shall  have  paid  for  a  pew  or  sitting  in  the  said 
church  previous  to  the  time  of  holding  any  election  of  ves- 
trymen of  the  said  united  churches,  shall  have  a  right  to 
vote  at  such  election  for  the  said  vestrymen  although  it 
shall  not  appear  by  the  vestry-books  that  the  person  or  per- 
sons so  voting  have  paid  three  successive  years  preceding 
the  time  of  such  election  for  a  pew  or  sittings  in  either  of 
the  said  churches. 

Sect.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  instead  of  the  proviso  in  the  said  charter 
that  the  rules,  by-laws,  and  ordinances  of  the  said  rector, 
church-wardens,  and  vestrymen  be  not  repugnant  to  the 
laws  and  statutes  in  force  in  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain, 
nor  to  the  laws  and  statutes  in  force  in  the  province  of 
Pennsylvania,  it  shall  be  sufficient  if  the  said  rules,  by-laws, 
and  ordinances  are  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution,  laws, 
and  statutes  of  the  commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania  or  of  the 
United  States. 

Sect.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,    That  at  the  time  appointed  by  the  said  char- 


358  APPENDIX. 

ter  for  the  next  election  of  vestrymen  and  forever  there- 
after, the  vestry  instead  of  consisting  of  twenty  persons 
as  is  ordained  by  said  charter,  shall  consist  of  twenty-four 
persons,  members  of  the  said  churches  of  Christ  Church, 
St.  Peter's  Church,  and  St.  James's  Church,  or  one  of  them. 

Sect.  4.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  clear  yearly  value  of  the  messuages, 
houses,  lands,  tenements,  rents,  annuities,  or  other  here- 
ditaments and  real  estate  of  the  said  corporation,  instead  of 
the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds  sterling  mentioned  in  the 
said  charter,  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  six  thousand  dol- 
lars lawful  money  of  the  United  States,  exclusive  of  the 
moneys  arising  from  the  letting  of  the  pews  belonging  to 
the  said  Christ-Church,  St.  Peter's  Church,  and  St.  James's 
Church,  or  either  of  them,  and  also  exclusive  of  the  moneys 
arising  from  opening  the  ground  for  burials  in  the  church- 
yards belonging  to  the  said  churches  or  either  of  them. 

Sect.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  nothing  in  this  act  contained,  shall  be  con- 
strued so  as  in  any  manner  to  affect,  impair,  or  alter  the 
aforesaid  charter  granted  by  the  former  proprietaries  of 
Pennsylvania  in  any  other  matter  or  thing  than  what  is 
herein  before  enacted,  but  that  the  said  charter  in  all  mat- 
ters and  respects  not  hereinbefore  altered  or  provided  shall 
be  firm  and  valid  forever. 

Note. — Saint  James's  Church  was  erected  into  a  sepa- 
rate corporation  in  February,  1829.  For  the  plan  of  sep- 
aration, see  pages  236  to  242, 


AN    ACT 


FOR  ERECTING 


CHRIST  CHURCH  AND  ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH, 

IN  THE 

CITY  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 
INTO    SEPARATE    CORPORATIONS. 

Whereas  therector,  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of 
"  The  United  Episcopal  churches  of  Christ  Church  and 
Saint  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,"  have 
represented,  that  the  members  of  the  said  churches,  being 
persuaded  that  their  interests  will  be  promoted  by  being 
erected  into  separate  corporations,  have  agreed  that  such 
separation  shall  take  place,  upon  the  following  terms,  that 
is  to  say : 

ARTICLE  I. 

Division  of  the  Property,— First— Christ  Church  cor- 
poration to  have 

I.  The  church  and  ground  on  Second  street  and  on 
Arch  and  Fifth  streets.  II.  The  parsonage  ground-rent, 
so  called,  amounting  to  three  hundred  and  sixty-two  dol- 
lars, and  the  reversion  of  the  estate  out  of  which  it  issues. 
III.  Three  fifths  of  the  rector's  ground-rent,  so  called, 
amounting  to  two  hundred  and  sixty-six  dollars,  sixty- 
seven  cents. 

Second— Saint  Peter's  Church  corporation  to  have 

I.  The  church  and  ground  on  Third,  Pine  and  Fourth 
streets.     II.  Two  fifths  of  the  rector's  ground  rent.     III. 


360 


APPENDIX. 


All  other  ground-rents  the  private  property  of  the  United 
Churches,  that  is  to  say. 

Tucker  and  Vail,      * 811  75 

Comarque, 

Freeland, 

Cooper, 

Stevenson, 

Durney, 

$221   31 


12 

00 

14 

50 

140 

00 

25 

00 

18 

06 

ARTICLE  II. 


Debt  of  the  Churches. — Each  of  the  churches  to  pay 
one  moiety  of  the  debt  clue  by  the  United  Churches. 


ARTICLE  III. 


Christ  Church  Hospital. — The  legal  property  of  this 
charity  to  be  in  Christ  Church,  but  the  charity  to  be  man- 
aged by  six  persons;  three  to  be  chosen  by  each  church  at 
the  first  meeting:  after  Easter,  as  heretofore. 


ARTICLE  IV. 


Other  Charity  Funds. — I.  All  charity  funds  given  to  the 
respective  churches,  by  name,  or  for  the  use  of  their 
members  particularly,  to  be  the  property  of  the  respective 
churches  in  trust.  II.  In  all  cases  in  which  the  charity  has 
been  vested  in  the  churches  or  in  trustees,  for  the  use  of  the 
members  of  the  churches  generally,  the  legal  property  shall 
remain  in  the  trustees,  or  go  to  the  churches,  as  joint-ten- 
ants ;  the  income  of  the  trust  estates  and  funds  to  be 
divided  equally  between  the  churches,  for  distribution  by 
them,  separately,  among  the  objects  designated  by  the 
donors. 


ACT     OF     SEPARATION.  361 

ARTICLE  V. 

Library  and  Church  Records. — I.  The  church  records 
to  remain  with  Christ  Church,  who  is  to  have  the  power  of 
certifying  copies  ;  but  St.  Peter's  Church  to  have  free  ac- 
cess for  examining  them,  and  making  extracts  and  copies. 
II.  The  library  to  be  the  property  of  Christ  Church,  sub- 
ject to  the  same  right  of  access  by  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  St.  Peter's  Church  as  they  now  have. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

Rights  of  Burial. — The  members  of  the  churches  at 
the  time  of  the  separation,  their  widows  and  children,  to 
have  the  same  right  of  burial  in  the  respective  burial 
grounds,  and  so  also  the  owners  of  vaults  and  the  members 
of  their  families,  as  is  provided  in  the  act  of  Assembly  in 
regard  to  St.  James's  Church. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Rector  and  Assistant  Ministers. — I.  The  present  rector 
shall  continue  to  be  rector  of  each  church,  with  the 
same  effect  as  if  duly  chosen  by  each  after  the  separation ; 
and  his  salary  shall  be  paid  in  moieties  by  the  respective 
churches.  II.  The  respective  churches  shall  have  the 
right  of  electing  an  assistant  minister,  who  shall,  if  it  be  so 
agreed,  be  rector  upon  the  demise  of  the  present  rector, 
subject  to  the  rules  and  practice  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  United  States  in  this  behalf.  III.  If  the  present 
assistant  minister  shall  not  be  chosen  an  assistant  minister 
of  either  church,  he  shall  continue  to  be  an  assistant  min- 
ister of  both  the  churches,  with  the  same  effect  as  if  duly 
chosen  by  each  after  the  separation,  and  shall  divide  his 
time  equally  between  them.  His  salary  shall  be  paid  in 
equal  proportions  by  the  churches  respectively.  And 
whereas  the  said  rector,  church  wardens,  and  vestrymen  of 

31 


362  APPENDIX. 

the  said  united  churches  have  presented  a  petition  to  this 
general  assembly  praying  that  an  act  might  be  passed  for 
carrying  the  said  plan  of  separation  into  effect,  and  it  is 
just  and  reasonable  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition 
should  be  granted, — Therefore, 

Sect.  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Re- 
presentatives of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  in 
General  Assembly  met,  and  it  is  hereby  enacted  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  That  from  and  after  the  passing  of 
this  act,  Christ  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  shall 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  separated  from  the  corporation 
of  the  rector,  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the  united 
Episcopal  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  Saint  Peter's 
Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  that  the  Right 
Reverend  William  White,  rector,  Horace  Binney  and 
Henry  J.  Hutchins,  church  wardens,  and  Caleb  P.  Wayne, 
Henry  Pratt,  Thomas  H.  White,  George  Tryon,  Philip  H. 
Nicklin,  John  White,  Thomas  Cooper  and  Charles  Wheel- 
er, vestrymen,  be  and  they  are  hereby  erected  into  a  sepa- 
rate body  politic  or  corporate,  by  the  name,  style  and  title 
of"  The  rector,  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ 
Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,"  and  by  the  same  name 
shall  have  perpetual  succession  and  shall  be  able  to  sue 
and  be  sued,  to  plead  and  be  impleaded  in  all  courts  of 
law  and  elsewhere,  and  shall  be  able  and  capable  in  law 
and  equity,  to  take  and  hold  to  them  and  their  successors, 
for  the  use  of  the  said  church,  lands,  tenements,  goods  and 
chattels  of  whatsoever  nature  or  quality,  real  or  personal, 
which  now  are,  or  shall  hereafter  become  the  property  of 
the  said  corporation,  or  be  held  for  their  use,  by  any  man- 
ner of  conveyance,  devise,  bequest,  or  otherwise.  Pro- 
vided, that  the  clear  yearly  value  or  income  of  the  estate, 
real,  personal  and  mixed,  of  the  said  corporation  of  Christ 
Church,  exclusive  of  the  moneys  arising  from  the  pews  of 


ACT     OP    SEPARATION.  363 

the  said  church,  and  opening  any  ground  thereto  belonging 
for  burials,  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  five  thousand 
dollars. 

Sect.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  said  rector,  church  wardens  and  vestry 
men  of  Christ  Church,  may  have  and  use  one  common 
seal  with  such  device,  and  inscription  as  they  may  think 
proper,  and  the  same  may  change,  alter,  break,  and  renew 
at  their  pleasure,  and  that  they  and  their  successors  or  a 
majority  of  them  met  from  time  to  time,  shall  have  power 
and  authority  to  make  rules,  by-laws,  and  ordinances,  and 
to  do  every  thing  needful  for  the  good  government  and  sup- 
port of  the  said  church,  Provided,  that  the  said  rules,  by- 
laws, and  ordinances  be  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution 
and  laws  of  the  commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  or  of  the 
United  States. 

Sect.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  on  Easter  Monday  in  every  year  hereafter, 
the  members  of  the  said  Christ  Church  who  have  for  one 
year  previous  held  a  sitting  therein,  shall  elect  twelve  of 
their  number  to  be  vestrymen  of  the  said  church,  and  shall 
have  full  power  to  choose  their  own  officers,  and  to  choose 
annually  one  of  their  own  number  to  be  one  church  warden  of 
the  said  church,  and  the  rector  for  the  time  being  shall 
choose  another  of  the  said  vestrymen  to  be  the  other 
church  warden  of  the  said  church,  Provided,  that  on  and 
after  Easter  Monday,  which  shall  be  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty -five,  no  mem- 
ber of  said  church  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  at  any  election 
of  vestrymen,  but  such  as  shall  appear  by  the  vestry  books, 
to  have  paid  three  successive  years  immediately  preceding 
such  election,  for  a  pew  or  sitting  in  the  said  church. 
And  Provided,  That  in  the  case  of  a  vacancy  happening 
in  the  office  of  rector  of  the  said  church  by  death  or  other- 


364  APPENDIX. 

wise,  and  until  another  rector  shall  be  duly  appointed,  the 
church  wardens  for  the  time  being,  with  the  consent  of  the 
major  part  of  the  whole  vestrymen  in  vestry  met,  shall 
have  the  same  power  and  authority  to  manage  the  affairs  of 
the  said  church,  as  if  there  were  a  rector  of  the  said 
church  consenting  thereto. 

Sect.  4.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  act  of 
the  estates  and  property,  now  belonging  to  the  corporation 
of  the  said  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  Saint 
Peter's  Church,  the  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments,  rights, 
and  privileges  mentioned  and  described  in  the  first  article 
of  the  plan  of  separation  in  the  preamble  of  this  act,  recited 
as  allotted  for  Christ  Church  corporation,  together  with  all 
deeds  and  muniments  of  title  relating  thereto,  and  with  all  and 
singular  the  appurtenances,  shall  be  and  remain  to  the  said 
corporation  of  Christ  Church  and  their  successors  forever, 
for  the  sole  and  exclusive  use  of  the  said  church,  subject 
nevertheless  to  the  payment  of  the  debt  according  to  the 
second  article  of  said  plan,  and  the  said  corporation  of 
Christ  Church  and  their  successors  forever,  are  hereby 
confirmed  in  the  title,  seisin,  possession,  and  enjoyment  of 
the  said  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments,  rights,  privileges, 
deeds  and  muniments  of  title  with  the  appurtenances  for  the 
sole  and  exclusive  use  of  the  said  Christ  Church,  subject  as 
aforesaid,  in  the  same  full,  free,  and  ample  manner,  as  if 
the  same  had  in  due  and  legal  form  been  conveyed  to  the 
said  corporation  of  Christ  Church,  and  their  successors 
forever,  by  the  said  corporation  of  the  rector,  church 
wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the  united  Episcopal  churches 
of  Christ  Church  and  Saint  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia. 

Sect.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by   the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  Right  Reverend  William  White,  rector, 


ACT     OF     SEPARATION.  365 

William  Meredith  and  John  Miller,  junior,  church  war- 
dens, Daniel  Smith,  Joseph  Sims,  William  Phillips,  Joshua 
Percival,  Joseph  R.  Ingersoll,  Lawrence  Lewis,  James  S. 
Smith,  and  Isaac  Roach,  vestrymen,  be,  and  they  are 
hereby  erected,  into  a  separate  body  politic  or  corporate, 
by  the  name,  style,  and  title  of  "  The  Rector,  Church 
wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city 
of  Philadelphia,"  and,  by  the  same  name,  shall  have  per- 
petual succession,  and  shall  be  able  to  sue  and  be  sued,  to 
plead  and  be  impleaded,  in  all  courts  of  law  and  elsewhere, 
and  shall  be  able  and  capable  in  law  and  equity,  to  take 
and  hold  to  them  and  their  successors,  for  the  use  of  the 
said  church,  lands,  tenements,  goods,  and  chattels,  of  what- 
soever nature  or  quality,  real  or  personal,  which  now  are 
or  shall  hereafter  become  the  property  of  the  said  corpo- 
ration, or  be  held  for  their  use,  by  any  manner  of  convey- 
ance, devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  Provided,  That  the 
clear  yearly  value  or  income  of  the  estate,  real,  personal, 
and  mixed,  of  the  said  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
exclusive  of  the  moneys  arising  from  the  pews  of  the 
said  church,  and  opening  any  ground  thereto  belonging 
for  burials,  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  five  thousand 
dollars. 

Sect.  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  said  rector,  church  wardens,  and  ves- 
trymen of  St.  Peter's  church  may  have  and  use  one  com- 
mon seal,  with  such  device  and  inscription  as  they  may 
think  proper,  and  the  same  may  change,  alter,  break,  and 
renew  at  their  pleasure,  and  that  they  and  their  successors, 
or  a  majority  of  them,  met  from  time  to  time,  shall  have 
power  and  authority  to  make  rules,  by-laws,  and  ordinances, 
and  to  do  every  thing  needful  for  the  good  government  and 
support  of  the  said  church.  Provided,  That  the  said  rules, 
by-laws,  and  ordinances,  be  not  repugnant  to  the  constitu- 

31* 


366  APPENDIX. 

tion  and  laws  of  the  commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania  or  of 
the  United  States. 

Sect.  7.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  on  Easter  Monday  in  every  year  hereafter, 
the  members  of  the  said  St.  Peter's  Church  who  have  for 
one  year  preceding  held  a  sitting  therein,  shall  elect  twelve 
of  their  number  to  be  vestrymen  of  the  said  church,  who 
shall  have  full  power  to  choose  their  own  officers,  and 
to  choose  annually  one  of  their  own  number  to  be  one 
church  warden  of  the  said  church,  and  the  rector  for  the 
time  being,  shall  choose  another  of  the  said  vestrymen,  to 
be  the  other  church  warden  of  the  said  church.  Provided, 
That  on  and  after  Easter  Monday,  which  shall  be  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty- 
five,  no  member  of  the  said  church  shall  be  entitled  to  vote 
at  any  election  of  vestrymen,  but  such  as  shall  appear  by 
the  vestry  books,  to  have  paid  three  successive  years,  im- 
mediately preceding  such  election,  for  a  pew  or  sitting  in 
the  said  church.  And  provided,  That  in  the  case  of  a 
vacancy  happening  in  the  office  of  rector  of  the  said  church, 
by  death  or  otherwise,  and  until  another  rector  shall  be 
duly  appointed,  the  church  wardens  for  the  time  being,  with 
the  consent  of  the  major  part  of  the  whole  vestrymen  in 
vestry  met,  shall  have  the  same  power  and  authority  to 
manage  the  affairs  of  the  said  church,  as  if  there  were  a 
rector  of  the  said  church  consenting  thereto. 

Sect.  8.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  act  of 
the  estates  and  property,  now  belonging  to  the  corporation 
of  the  said  united  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  Saint 
Peter's  Church,  the  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments,  rights 
and  privileges,  mentioned  and  described  in  the  first  article 
of  the  plan  of  separation  in  the  preamble  of  this  act,  recited 
as  allotted  for  Saint  Peter's  Church  corporation,  together 


ACT     OP     SEPARATION.  367 

with  all  deeds  and  muniments  of  title  relative  thereto,  and 
with  all  and  singular  the  appurtenances  shall  be  and  re- 
main to  the  said  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church  and  their 
successors  forever,  for  the  sole  and  exclusive  use  of  the 
said  church,  subject  nevertheless  to  the  payment  of 'the 
debt,  according  to  the  second  article  of  the  said  plan,  and 
the  said  corporation  of  St.  Peter's  Church  and  their  suc- 
cessors forever,  are  hereby  confirmed  in  the  title,  seisin, 
possession  and  enjoyment  of  the  said  lands,  tenements,  her- 
editaments, rights,  privileges,  deeds  and  muniments  of  title 
with  the  appurtenances,  for  the  sole  and  exclusive  use  of 
the  said  Saint  Peter's  Church,  subject  as  aforesaid  in  the 
same  full,  free  and  ample  manner,  as  if  the  same  had  in 
due  and  legal  form  been  conveyed  to  the  said  corporation  of 
Saint  Peter's  Church  and  their  successors  for  ever,  by  the 
said  corporation  of  the  rector,  church-wardens  and  vestry- 
men of  the  united  episcopal  churches  of  Christ  Church  and 
Saint  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Sect.  9.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  legal  property  of  Christ  Church  Hos- 
pital shall  be  in  the  rector,  church-wardens,  and  vestry- 
men of  Christ  Church,  but  the  charity  is  to  be  managed  by 
six  persons,  three  to  be  chosen  by  Christ  Church  corpora- 
tion, and  the  other  three  to  be  chosen  by  Saint  Peter's 
Church  corporation  annually,  at  the  first  meeting  after 
Easter.  And  that  as  to  other  charity  funds,  the  charity 
funds  given  to  the  respective  churches  by  name,  or  for  the 
use  of  their  members  particularly,  shall  be  the  property  of 
the  respective  churches  in  trust.  And  that  in  all  cases, 
in  which  the  charity  has  been  vested  in  the  churches,  or  in 
trustees  for  the  use  of  the  members  of  the  churches  gene- 
rally, the  legal  property  shall  remain  in  the  trustees  or  go 
to  the  churches  as  joint  tenants,  the  income  of  the  trust 
estate  and  funds  to  be  equally  divided  between  the  church- 


368  APPENDIX. 

es,  for  distribution  by  them  separately  among  the  objects 
designated  by  the  donors. 

Sect.  10.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  church  records  of  the  present  united 
churches  of  Christ  Church  and  Saint  Peter's  Church, 
shall  at  all  times  be  and  remain  in  the  possession  of  the 
corporation  of  Christ  Church,  who  shall  have  the  same 
power  to  certify  copies  thereof,  with  the  like  effect  as  the 
same  can  now  be  certified  by  the  corporation  of  the  said 
united  churches,  and  free  access  to  the  same  for  the  pur- 
pose of  examining  and  making  extracts  and  copies,  shall 
always  be  permitted  to  the  corporation  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  or  their  authorized  agent.  The  library  to  be  the 
property  of  Christ  Church,  subject  to  the  same  right  of 
access  by  the  officers  and  members  of  Saint  Peter's  Church 
as  they  now  have. 

Sect.  11.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  members  of  Christ  Church  and  Saint 
Peter's  Church  at  the  time  of  this  separation,  and  their 
widows,  and  all  the  children  of  such  members  shall  have 
the  same  rights  of  burial  in  either  of  the  burial  grounds 
now  belonging  to  the  united  churches,  as  agreeably  to  the 
existing  statutes  and  by-laws  of  the  united  churches  at 
the  time  of  this  separation,  they  would  have  had  respec- 
tively, had  this  separation  not  taken  place  ;  their  rector  or 
other  minister  shall  have  the  right  of  officiating  at  the  in- 
terment. The  owners  of  vaults  in  either  of  the  said  burial 
grounds,  and  the  members  of  their  respective  families  shall, 
at  all  times,  have  the  right  of  burial  therein,  upon  the  same 
terms  as  if  they  were  at  their  decease  members  of  the 
church  to  which  the  ground  may  appertain. 

Sect.  12.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  present  rector  shall  continue  to  be  the 
rector  of  each  church,  with  the  same  effect  as  if  duly  cho- 


ACT     OF     SEPARATION.  369 

sen  by  each  after  the  separation,  and  his  salary  shall  be 
paid  in  equal  portions  by  the  respective  churches.  The 
respective  churches  shall  have  the  right  of  electing  an  as- 
sistant minister,  who  shall,  if  it  be  so  agreed,  be  rector  upon 
the  demise  of  the  present  rector,  subject  to  the  rules  and 
practice  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  in 
this  behalf.  If  the  present  assistant  minister  shall  not  be 
chosen  an  assistant  minister  of  either  church,  he  shall  con- 
tinue to  be  assistant  minister  of  both  the  churches  with  the 
same  effect,  as  if  duly  chosen  by  each  after  the  separation, 
and  shall  divide  his  time  equally  between  them.  His  sal- 
ary shall  be  paid  in  equal  proportions  by  the  churches 
respectively. 

Sect.  13.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  if  on  any  of  the  days  or  times  appointed  for 
the  election  of  vestrymen  or  churchwardens  of  either  of 
the  corporations  created  by  this  act,  no  such  election  shall 
take  place,  in  every  such  case  the  vestrymen  or  church- 
wardens for  the  time  being  shall  continue  in  office  until  the 
Easter  Monday  next  following,  and  until  others  shall  be. 
duly  chosen. 

Sect.  14.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority 
aforesaid,  That  the  rules,  by-laws  and  ordinances  of  the 
present  corporation,  as  the  same  now  are,  shall  be,  so  far 
as  the  same  are  applicable,  the  rules,  by-laws,  and  ordi- 
nances of  the  corporation  of  Christ  Church  and  of  Saint 
Peter's  Church  respectively,  until  the  same  shall  be  duly 
altered.  Provided,  That  in  all  cases  where  the  existing 
by-laws,  or  any  of  them,  require  the  presence  or  concur- 
rence of  a  certain  number  of  the  vestrymen  to  render  valid 
acts  done  by  them  ;  such  number,  until  fixed  by  a  future 
by-law,  shall  be  in  the  proportion  which  the  number  of  ves- 
trymen fixed  by  this  act,  bears  to  the  number  of  the  ves- 
trymen at  the  period  the  by-law,  so  requiring  a  specific 
number  was  passed. 


370 


MEETING  OF  THE  VESTRIES  OF  CHRIST  CHURCH  AND 

ST.  peter's,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Pursuant  to  notice,  a  meeting  was  held  at  the  Rector's 
House  on  the  evening  of  January  25,  1832,  and  the  follow- 
ing resolution  was  adopted  : — "  That  the  accounts  of  the 
Wardens  and  the  Treasurer  of  the  Charity  Funds  should 
be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  late  Committee  of  Accounts 
for  examination  ;  and  that  the  same  Committee  be  requested 
to  examine  the  state  of  the  funds,  and  determine  on  the 
most  proper  mode  of  division,  and  report  to  their  respective 
vestries." 


MEETING 

OF   THE  VESTRIES   OF   CHRIST  AND   ST. 
PETER'S   CHURCHES. 

The  undersigned,  appointed  at  the  last  meeting  of  the 
late  vestry  of  the  united  churches  of  Christ  and  St.  Peter's 
held  at  the  house  of  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  White, 
rector  of  said  churches,  on  Wednesday  evening,  the  25th 
ultimo,  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  wardens,  and  of 
Thomas  H.  White,  Treasurer  of  the  Charity  Funds ;  and 
also  to  examine  the  state  of  the  Church  Funds,  and  deter- 
mine on  the  mode  of  division,  &c,  respectfully  report,  that 
they  have  examined  the  account  of  Mr.  Meredith,  Ac- 
counting Warden,  and  find  the  same  correct,  showino-  a 
balance  of  8429  78  due  to  the  churches — also,  the  ac- 
counts of  Mr.  Hutchins,  Assistant  Warden  of  Christ 
Church,  and  Mr.  Miller,  assistant  warden  of  St.  Peter's, 
and  find  them  balanced,  and  correct,  with  the  exception  of 
a  small  error  of  $2  71  in  the  latter,  against  the  churches, 
which  they  have  noted  on  the  face  of  the  account.  They 
have  also  examined  the  account  of  Mr.  White,  Treasurer 
of  the  Charity  Funds,  which  they  find  correct  and  sup- 
ported by  the  proper  vouchers,  showing  a 

balance  in  cash  of  .         .         .         .         $1131  76 

and  in  United  States  Stocks  of  1821  and 

1822,  5  per  cents 3978  36 


together  amounting  to  ....  $5110  12 
in  his  hands;  $60  of  which  belongs  to  St.  Peter's  Church, 
exclusively,  arising  out  of  the  Brandon  and  Hand  Legacies 
and  the  difference  of  $5050  12  for  the  uses  intended. 


372  APPENDIX. 

Your  committee  on  the  other  matters  referred  to  them, 
after  having  given  to  the  same  the  best  consideration  in 
their  power,  have  further  to  report,  that  they  find  the 
estates  and  funds  of  the  united  churches  to  be  as  follows : 

I.  Divided  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  late  act  of 
Assembly. 

CHRIST  CHURCH  CORPORATION. 

1.  The  church  and  grounds  on  Second  street,  and  on 
Mulberry  and  Fifth  streets. 

2.  Parsonage  ground,  so  called,  a  rent  charge 
of  £136.,  reserved  out  of  Parsonage  Lot  on 
Second  street,  34  by  299,  payable  by  J. 
Ridgway.  $362  67 

3.  Three-fifths  of  Rector's  Ground-Rent,* 
£100.,  reserved  out  of  a  lot  on  Spruce,  Fourth 

*  The  origin  of  the  rector's  ground-rent,  so  called,  is  believed  to  be 
as  follows  :  About  the  year  1732  *  Edward  Jauncy,  Esq.,  bequeathed 
three  hundred  pounds  sterling  to  the  Society,  in  England,  for  Propa- 
gating the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  in  trust,  which  the  Society  invested 
in  "  new  South  Sea  annuities,  till  lands  can  be  purchased  in  Pennsyl- 
vania," and  appropriated  the  interest  for  the  benefit  of  the  minister  of 
Christ  Church,  Philadelphia.  In  February,  1759,  the  vestry  of  Christ 
Church  ask,  and  obtain  permission,  of  the  Society  to  sell,  and  invest 
the  proceeds  of  these  South  Sea  stocks  in  lands.t  A  lot  was  accord- 
ingly purchased  in  the  south  part  of  the  city  for  .£500.  sterling,  of 
which  amount  the  Rev.  Dr.  Peters,  the  then  rector,  gave  about  £200., 
with  an  express  understanding,  it  would  seem,  that  "  that  part  of  the  lot 
which  is  bought  with  the  Society's  money,  (the  £300.  of  Mr.  Jauncy's 
bequest,  given  for  that  purpose,)  be  for  the  use  of  the  rector  of  Christ 
Church,  and  that  which  is  bought  with  my  (his)  money,  for  the  minis- 
ter of  St.  Peter's  Church,  if  ever  separated."*  Accordingly,  on  the 
separation  of  the  churches,  "  three-fifths  of  rector's  ground-rent,"  or  the 
income  of  the  property  purchased  by  the  £300.  of  Mr.  Jauncy,  were 

*  See  pp.  114. 116.  t  Ibid.  p.  149.  t  Ibid.  p.  1 54. 


FUNDS.  373 

and  Fifth,  396  by  102,  to  be  applied  to  the  sup- 
port of  the  rector  of  the  united  churches,  as 
long  as  their  union  shall  continue ;  and  in  case 
of  their  separation,  three-fifths  to  Christ  Church, 
and  two-fifths  to  St.  Peter's.  ...         160  00 


$522  67 


ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH  CORPORATION. 

1.  The  church  and  ground  on  Third,  Fourth, 
and  Pine  streets. 

2.  Two-fifths  of  Rector's  Ground  Rent         .      $106  67 

3.  Tucker  and  Vail — Rent  charge,  4Z.  85. 

on  lot  west  side  of  Fifth,  near  Mulberry  street  11  75 

4.  Commarque — Rent  charge,  4Z.  10s.  out 

of  lot  south  side  of  Chesnut,  30  by  42  .  12  00 

5.  Freediand — Rent  charge  on  lot  south  side 

of  Sassafras,  devise  of  Mary  Stevens       .         .  14  50 

6.  Cooper — Rent  charge  out  of  lot  north 

side  of  Pine,  and  on  Fifth  street  .         .         140  00 

"  Purchased  with  S.  Powell's  legacy  to  be  ap- 
"  propriated  to  such  uses  as  may  be  deter- 
"  mined  upon  from  year  to  year  by  vestry." 

assigned  to  Christ  Church  ;  and  two-fifths  of  the  rent,  or  that  pur- 
chased by  the  £200.  of  Dr.  Peters,  were  assigned  to  St.  Peter's  Church. 
In  March,  1638,  an  act  of  the  Legislature  was  passed  authorizing  the 
sale  of  this  ground-rent.  It  was  accordingly  sold,  and  the  proceeds 
divided  between  the  two  churches;  and  the  three-fifths  belonging  to 
Christ  Church,  are  now  (1841)  invested  (under  the  approbation  of  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas)  in  $2500  county  loan  payable  in  1871;  for 
the  rector,  church  wardens  and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church,  in  trust> 
towards  the  support  of  the  rector  of  said  church.  Interest  6  per  cent., 
payable  in  January  and  July. 

32 


374  APPENDIX. 

7.  Stevenson — Rent  charge  on  a  lot  on  south 
side  of  Cedar  street,  between  Second  and 
George — Leak's  ground-rent  purchased  with 

part  of  Peter  Knight's  legacy  .         .         .  25  00 

8.  Durney — Rent  charge,  4Z.  Is.  3d.  ster- 
ling, 61.  15s.  bd.  currency,  issuing  out  of  a 
lot  on  Second  and  Shippen,  granted  by  Joseph 

Shippen 18  06 


$327  98 


The  Rector's  ground-rent  is  received  by  himself,  so  that 
no  arrangement  in  relation  to  it  is  at  this  time  required ; 
nor  until  there  shall  be  two  rectors.  The  others  are  all 
paid  up,  and  the  churches  respectively  will  receive  what 
belongs  to  each  hereafter. 

II.  Christ  Church  Hospital — all  the  funds  belonging  to 
it  will  be  collected  by  the  treasurer,  and  applied  to  its  use. 
Devises  of  Dr.  Kearsley  and  Joseph  Dobbins — the  present 
state  of  these  will  be  seen  by  a  statement,  (marked  A.)  fur- 
nished by  the  treasurer,  and  appended  to  this  report :  the 
legal  property  of  this  charity  to  be  in  Christ  Church,  but 
the  charity  to  be  managed  by  six  persons,  three  to  be 
chosen  by  each  church,  at  the  first  meeting  after  Easter, 
as  is  provided  for  by  the  present  charter. 

III.  Charity  Funds,  given  to  the  respective  churches  by 
name,  or  for  the  use  of  their  members  particularly,  are  to 
remain  the  property  of  the  separate  churches  in  trust. 
These  are — 

CHRIST  CHURCH. 
The  Rig  by  Legacy. 
Devise  for  the  Poor  Communicants  of  Christ  Church. 

1.  A  Messuage  and  lot  on  the  west  side  of  Delaware 


FUNDS.  375 

front  street,  above  Sassafras,  No.  124,  and  now 

rented  to  John  F.  Sarchett,  for      .         .         .       8120  00 

2.  A  ditto,  No.  15  Sassafras  street,  rented 

to  Dr.  Jacob  Lentz  for  ....         200  00 

3.  A  ditto,  No.  17  Sassafras  street,  rented 

to  John  Wiley  for 250  00 


$570  00 
See  particular  statement,  also  appended  to  this  report, 
marked  B,  which  shows  further,  "  The  following  stock  at 
"  5  per  cent,  per  annum,  purchased  at  various  times  by  the 
"  committee  having  charge  of  this  legacy,  viz. 
"  $700  of  city  loan,  5  per  cent,  yielding  an- 
nually            $35  00 

"  $850  of  Pennsylvania  state,  5  per  cent.        .         42  50" 
and  further,  a  balance  in  the  Farmers'  and 

Mechanics'  Bank  of  ....       285  15 

The  Clifton  Legacy. 

Extract  from  the  Will  of  Miss  Clifton* 

"  One  share  in  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  I  give  to  Tho- 
mas H.  White  and  William  S.  Biddle,  in  trust,  as  the 
foundation  of  a  fund  for  teaching  six  boys  at  a  choir,  to 
sing  in  the  orchestra  of  Christ  Church,  and  to  be  applied 
by  them  to  that  purpose,  when  a  sufficient  provision  shall 
be  made  to  answer  that  object :  the  interest  to  be  applied 
to  the  purchase  of  other  stock,  and  to  accumulate  until  the 
purpose  above  mentioned  is  answered."  This  fund  now 
appears  to  be  invested  in  5  per  cent,  stock  of  the  United 
States,  and  amounts  to  $542  52. 

ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH. 

The  Thomas  Legacy. 

1.  A  house  and  lot  in  Mulberry,  near  Front 
street,  No.  10,  rented  to  Geo.  Scott  for  .       $200  00 


376  APPENDIX. 

2.  A  house  and  lot,  North  Fifth  street,  No. 

58,  rented  to  A.  Tripple  for  .         .         .         130  00 

3.  A  house  and  lot,  North  Fifth  street,  No. 

60,  rented  to  William  Johnston  for         .         .         150  00 

4.  A  ground-rent  on  lot,  South  Second  street, 

near  the  Wharton  Market      ....  26  67 

See  statement  likewise  appended  to  this  report,  and 
marked  C. 

The  Brandon  and  Hand  Legacies. 

A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  a  lot,  corner  of 
Third  and  Cedar  streets,  payable  by  J.  Dupuy 
on  the  1st  of  February,  yearly  .  .  .  $42  00 
and  $60  of  the  capital  of  the  5  per  cent,  stock, 
forms  the  whole  investment  of  these  legacies, 
for  the  exclusive  use  of  the  poor  members  of 
St.  Peter's  Church,  as  appears  from  the  follow- 
ing extracts  from  the  wills,  viz. — Mary  Bran- 
don devises  to  her  mother,  Margaret  Hand,  for 
life,  and  by  codicil — "  in  confirmation  of  my 
esteem  for  the  institution  called  St.  Peter's 
Church,  I  devise,  &c.  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Poor  Funds  of  said  institution,  $300,"  to  be 
paid  after  the  death  of  her  mother.  Margaret 
Hand  devises  one-half  of  the  residuum  of  her 
estate  to  the  Rector,  Church-warden  and  Ves- 
trymen of  St.  Peter's  Church,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  poor  members  of  said  church — the  other 
one-half  to  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

IV.  Charity  Funds  vested  in  the  churches,  or  in  trus- 
tees for  the  churches  generally,  are  to  remain  in  the  trus- 
tees, for  the  joint  benefit  of  the  churches,  or  go  to  the 
churches  as  joint  tenants — the  income  to  be  divided  equally 


FUNDS.  377 

for  distribution  among  the  objects  designated  by  the  do- 
nors.    These  are — 

William  Clymer's  Legacies. 

1.  A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  house  No. 
60,  in  Shippen  street,  payable  yearly  on  1st 

May,  by  James  Cox,  21.  16s.  .         .         .  $7  47 

2.  A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  house  No.  64, 
in  Shippen  street,  payable  yearly  on  1st  May, 

by  Jos.  Fernandez 9  00 

The  following  is  extracted  from  his  will : — William  Cly- 
mer  directs  his  executors  to  apply  £100.  to  the  purchase  of 
a  perpetual  yearly  rent,  or  to  be  put  out  at  interest,  on 
good  security,  and  gives  the  rent  or  interest  to  the  minister 
and  church  warden  of  Christ  Church  and  their  successors 
forever  in  trust,  to  distribute  the  said  rent,  annuity  or  inte- 
rest, on  the  20th  September,  yearly,  to  twelve  such  poor 
widows  frequenting  and  belonging  to  the  congregation  of 
said  church,  as  the  said  minister  and  church-wardens  shall 
judge  good  and  proper  objects,  &c. 

James  Stoops  and  Rebecca  Venables'  Legacies. 

1.  A  ground  rent  issuing  out  of  houses,  No. 
244  and  246  South  Third  street,  payable  1st 

May,  yearly $18  13 

2.  A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  house,  No. 
39  Union  street,  payable  half  yearly  on  25th 
March  and  25th  September,  by  Mrs.  George 

Barclay         .         .         .         .         .         .  .  17  77 

3.  A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  a  lot  on  Vine 
street,  between  Third  and  Fourth  streets,  pay- 
able half  yearly  on  25th  March  and  25th  of 
September,  by  James  Exly,  bl.  12s.  .  14  94 

32* 


378  APPENDIX. 

4.  A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  house,  No. 
9   Third  street,  near  Poplar   Lane,    payable 

yearly,  on  1st  May,  by  Jesse  James       .         .  10  00 

5.  A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of 

Third  street,  near  Poplar  Lane,  payable  yearly 

on  1st  May,  by  Judge  Hallowell,  £5      .         .  13  33 

For  the  use  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  as  appears 
by  the  following  extracts  from  their  wills,  viz. : — 

James  Stoops  gives  to  his  house-keeper,  Ann  Banks,  for 
life,  inter  alia,  his  messuage,  &c.  on  the  west  side  of  Third 
street,  in  breadth  17  feet,  and  in  length  132  feet ;  and  upon 
her  decease  he  gives  one-third  of  the  same  to  the  rector, 
church-wardens,  and  vestrymen  of  the  united  Episcopal 
churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's,  to  be  applied  for 
the  use  of  the  poor  belonging  to  the  said  churches ;  one- 
third  to  the  trustees  of  the  college,  &c.  to  be  applied  to 
the  use  of  the  charitable  school ;  one-third  to  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Hospital.  Rebecca,  widow  of  Thomas  Venables, 
gives  to  the  church-wardens  and  vestrymen  of  the  united 
Episcopal  churches  of  Christ  Church  and  St.  Peter's, 
£100. — interest  to  be  distributed  amongst  the  poor  commu- 
nicants belonging  to  said  churches. 

Mary  Andrews's  Legacy. 

A  ground-rent  issuing  out  of  a  lot  and  houses, 
corner  of  Front,  Water  and  Walnut  streets, 
payable  yearly  on  25th  December,  by  James 
C.  Fisher,  £10  $26  66 

She,  by  will,  gives  the  minister  and  church  wardens  of 
Christ  Church  £100.  towards  purchasing  an  organ,  folio 
common  prayer  book,  hanging  for  desk  and  pulpit,  &c. 
Devises  to  William  Peters,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  &c.  all 
the  messuages,  &c.  in  Front,  on  Walnut  and  Water  streets, 


FUNDS.  379 

forming  a  corner,  charged  inter  alia,  with  £10,  which  the 
said  W.  P.  his  heirs  and  assigns  shall  yearly,  during 
Christmas  holy  days,  distribute  amongst  such  poor  neces- 
sitous families  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  not  on  the  poor 
roll,  or  supported  at  the  public  charge ;  in  the  distribution 
of  which  he  and  his  heirs  shall  consult  the  minister  and 
church  wardens  of  Christ  Church,  for  rinding  out  proper 
objects  amongst  whom  to  be  distributed,  &c.  ;  gives  power 
to  minister  and  church-wardens  to  distrain. 

V.  The  library  and  church  records  are  to  remain 
with  Christ  Church,  with  the  provisions  expressed  in  the 
act.  A  catalogue  and  inventory  should  be  given  to  St. 
Peter's. 

VI.  General  charity  funds  arising  from  collections  and 
communion  money,  &c.  amount,  by  the  account  of  Tho- 
mas H.  White,  treasurer,  as  before 

stated  to $1131  76  in  cash, 

and  in  5  per  cent,  stock  to  $3978  36, 

less  $60,  leaves  .         .         .         3918  36 


$5050  12 
of  which  Christ  Church  takes  one-half,  $2525  06— St.  Pe- 
ter's Church  takes  one-half,   $2525  06,  for  the  uses  in- 
tended. 

VII.  The  salaries  of  the  rector,  assistant  ministers,  (Dr. 
De  Lancey  excepted,)  and  officers,  are  paid  up  to  the  be- 
ginning of  the  current  quarter ;  and  the  assistant  minister 
and  Mr.  Bryant  are  paid  something  in  advance.  The  sala- 
ries of  the  rector  and  assistant  minister,  and  of  Dr.  De 
Lancey  and  Mr.  Bryant  will  be  paid  as  they  become  due, 
a  moiety  by  each  church,  and  each  church  will  pay  its  own 
officers  for  the  current  quarter  and  thereafter. 

VIII.  There  is  in  the  hands  of  the  accounting  warden, 
as  before  stated,  to  the  credit  of  the  churches  $429  78.    It 


380  APPENDIX. 

is  proposed  that  this  balance  shall  remain  to  be  applied  to 
the  payment  of  salaries,  or  outstanding  demands,  &c.  for 
which  the  churches  are  generally  bound  until  the  end  of 
the  present  quarter,  and  what  then  remains  shall  be  divid- 
ed between  the  churches ;  or  that  the  whole  be  now  paid 
over,  a  moiety  to  each  church,  each  church  contributing  its 
share  of  said  salaries. 

IX.  Pew  Rents. — It  appears  that  the  arrears  of  pew- 
rents  in  Christ  Church,  as  per  statement  of  the  late  assist- 
ant warden  of  that  church,  (marked  D.#)  are  $230  55,  and 
in  St.  Peter's  Church  $472  86,  as  per  statement  of  the 
late  assistant  warden  of  that  church,  marked  E,#  which, 
with  the  paper  marked  D,#  are  both  further  appended  to 
this  report.  These  arrears  may  be  divided  equally,  as  they 
are  collected  ;  or  each  church  may  take  its  own  arrears,  as 
was  done  in  the  separation  of  St.  James's  Church  :  consid- 
ering that  the  former  mode  would  keep  the  account  open 
between  the  churches  for  a  long  time,  and  almost  indefi- 
nitely— the  committee  would  recommend  the  adoption  of 
the  latter. 

X.  Debts  Due  by  the  Churches. — These  are  the  loans 
granted  by  Christ  Church  Hospital,  and  amount  to  $3300, 
to  be  paid  by  the  churches  equally. 

Christ  Church  one-half  is  $1650  ;  St.  Peter's  Church 
one-half  is  $1650.  Either  church  may  pay  its  one-half, 
or  each  may  assume  to  pay  it,  with  the  consent  of  the  trea- 
surer of  Christ  Church  Hospital,  and  in  the  mean  time  pay 
the  interest  accruing  on  the  same. 

Finally,  it  appears  that  Christ  Church  is  indebted  to  the 
united  churches  for  an  advance  made  by  the  vestry  for  her 
special  use  the  23d  April,  1830,  being  the  amount  of  Mr. 

*  These  statements  were  exhibited  to  the  vestries,  but  are  not  now 
appended  in  print. 


FUNDS.  381 

Kenworthy's  bill  for  painting,  #278  40,  and  interest  thereon 
to  the  time  of  separation. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  14th  February, 
1832. 

C.  P.  Wayne, 
On  behalf  of  Christ  Church. 
J.  Percival, 
On  behalf  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 


APPENDIX    A. 

PROPERTY  BELONGLNG  TO  CHRIST  CHURCH 
HOSPITAL. 


Where  Situated. 

Occupied, 
or  paid  by 

Total 
Am't. 

House  N.  E.  cor.  High  &  Front  sts. 

J.  T.  Sullivan 

350 

00 

Do.                         do.  Cellar 

G.  W.  Bertron 

350 

00 

Do.  N.  W.  cor.  High  &  Water 

James  Brown 

350 

00 

Do.  No.  2,  Letitia  Court 

E.  Kuhn 

160 

00 

Do.  No.  4,  South  Front  street 

L.  B.  Clarke 

400 

00 

Do.  No.  6,  South  Front  street 

Gebhard  Harris 

325 

00 

Do.  No.  Ill,  Mulberry  st. 

Elizabeth  Knight 

400 

00 



2335 

00 

Ground  rent,  lot  No.  159,  Mulberry 

Adam  Guier 

16 

00 

Do.    lots  No.  381  &  383,  N.  Front 

Edmund  Pryor 

13 

47 

Do.    lot  No.  379,  N.  Front  st. 

do. 

6 

73 

Do.    lot  N.  Front,  opposite  Duke  ct. 

Robert  Porter 

28 

00 

Do.    lot  N.  Front   st.  adjojnmg  public  ) 
wharf,  N.  Liberties                               j 

Daniel  Bickley 

20 

00 

Do.    lot  adjoining  Hay  Scale  Wharf,  N. 
Liberties                                                 ( 

Johns  and  Linerd 

20 

00 

Do.    lot  No.  193,  N.  Front  st. 

I.  W.  Norris 

10 

00 

Do. 

James  Trimble 

10 

00 

DoT    lot  No.  197,  N.  Water  st. 

Mary  Tatem 

10 

00 

Do.    lot  No.  33,  S-  Third  st. 

Curtis  Lownes 

20 

00 

Do.    lot  No.  23,  N.  Third  st. 

A.  Brazier. 

6 

(10 

Do.     lot  No.  25,  N.  Third  st. 

Jacob  Ridgway 

6 

00 

Do.    lot  No.  64,  Chesnutst. 

Joel  Atkinson 

3 

51 

Do.    lot  No.  62,        do. 

Caleb  Pusey 

4 

07 

Do .    lot  No.  60,        do. 

Jacob  Stockman 

4 

07 

Do.    lot  No.  58,        do. 

John  Harland 

OS 

Do.    lot  N.  Fifth  st.  between  High  and  \ 
Mulberry                                                 \ 

Robert  Fleming 

165 

33 

Do.    lot  Cedar  st.  between  Second  and 
Third  sts.                                                j 

Samuel  Beatty 

20 

(10 

Do.    lot  No  89,  Cedar  st. 

A.  Southern 

14 

67 

Do.    lot  N.  E.  cor.  Third  &  Cedar 

Wm.  Campbell 

61 

33 

Do.    lot  S.  E.  cor.  Vine  &  Fifth  sts. 

James  Stokes 

32 

00 

Do.     lot  No.  121,  Spruce  st. 

John  Elliott 

50 

00 

Do.    lot  No.  143,  S.  Fifth. 

Thos.  Cooper 

28 

00 

Bond  and  Mortgage,  $60(10  at  5  per  ct. 



— 

556 
300 

•20 
00 

Bank   Stock — Joseph   Dobbins's   legacy —  ) 

Varies— last  few 

200  shares  in  Bank  of  South  Carolina      ) 

years  at  about 

600 

00 

Loans  to  Rector,  &c.  of  the  united  church-  i 

es   of  Christ  Church   and  St.    Peter's,  V 

165 

00 

$3300  at  5  per  cent.                                      ) 

Stock  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  at  par  ) 

—$2000  at  5  per  cent— cost  $2037  50.        \ 

100 

00 

_ 

Lot  of  Ground  between  Spruce  and  Pine  i 

4056 

20 

sts.  and  Sixth  artf  Seventh  fromSchuyl-  V 

kill,  not  improved  or  occupied.                  ) 

APPENDIX.  383 


DUE  BY  CHRIST  CHURCH  HOSPITAL. 

There  is  to  the  credit  of  an  account  entitled 
the  estate  of  Samuel  P.  Moore,  being  an  accu- 
mulation of  years  of  ground-rent  of  £4 
sterling  per  annum,  to  year  1827.  It  has  not 
been  called  for,  nor  is  tit  known  who  are  the 
representatives  of  said  estate,  .         .         .      8228  54 

To  credit  of  Ann  Simmons — interest  paya- 
ble during  her  life 1000  00 


APPENDIX    B. 

Philadelphia,  February  7th,  1832. 

An  account  of  the  property  bequeathed  by  Henry  Rigby 
to  Christ  Church,  in  trust,  for  the  poor  communicants  of 
said  church,  as  per  will,  dated  28th  April,  1823. 

Dolls,  per  annum. 

One  house,  No,  15  Sassafras  street,  now 
rented  to  Dr.  Jacob  Lentz      ....     8200  00 

One  house,  No.  17  Sassafras  street,  now 
rented  to  Mr.  John  Wiley  .         .         .         250  00 

One  house,  No.  124  N.  Front  street,  now 
rented  to  John  F.  Sarchett  .         .         .  120  00 

570  00 


334 

APPENDIX 

» 

Amount  carried  over  570  00 

From  which  deduct  the   following 

annual 

charges,  viz.  : 

Water  rents 

. 

$15  00 

Taxes,  annually, 

i  about 

52  00 

Repairs  average 

about 

63  00 

130 

00 

$440  00 
To  which,  add  the  following  stock  at  5  per 
cent,  per  annum,  which   has  been  purchased 
at   various   times  by   the   committee   having 
charge   of  this  legacy,  viz.  : 

$700  of  city  loan,  5  per  cent,  yielding  annu- 
ally       35  00 

$850  of  Pennsylvania  state,  5  per  cent,  yield- 
ing annually 42  50 


$517  50 


There  is  besides  a  balance  now  lying  in  the  Farmers' 
and  Mechanics'  Bank  of  $285  15  in  cash,,  part  of  which 
will  be  required  shortly  to  pay  the  poor  communicants — 
some  part  will  be  wanted  for  repairs  of  the  wood  work  of 
the  houses,  and  part  will  be  ready  to  be  invested  in  addi- 
tional 5  per  cent,  stock.  The  rents  of  the  two  houses  in 
Sassafras  street  are  pretty  regularly  paid  when  due. 

The  certificates  of  the  5  per  cent,  stock  are  all  now 
standing  in  the  name  of  "  the  Rector,  Church-wardens, 
and  Vestrymen  of  the  united  Episcopal  churches  of  Christ 
Church  and  St.  Peter's  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
upon  the  trust,  &c.  of  Henry  Rigby." 

It  would  be  proper  to  have  them  now  transferred  to  the 
"  rector,  church-wardens,  and  vestrymen  of  Christ  Church, 
in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  trust,  &c." 

There  are  seven  certificates  of  stock  in  the  city  loan, 


APPENDIX.  385 

each  $100,  and  five  certificates  of  Pennsylvania  State  Stock, 
viz. : 

$200 

100 

200 

200 

150 


All  of  which  are  kept  in  a  drawer  in  the  vault  at  Christ 
Church  Hospital,  as  also  the  policies  of  insurance  on  the 
houses  against  fire. 

H.  J.  HUTCHINS, 
Chairman  of  Committee  on  Rigby's  Legacy. 


Committee   appointed   by  vestry  on  Rigby's  Legacy, 
C.  P.  Wayne,  George  Tryon,  H.  J.  Hutchins. 


APPENDIX   C. 

The  property  bequeathed  by  the  will  of  William  Thomas, 
dated  2d  July,  1789,  consists  of  three  three-story  brick 
dwelling  houses,  and  one  ground  rent  of  $26  67  per  annum. 
The  income  is  directed  to  be  appropriated  in  the  following 
manner,  viz.  : 

House  in  N.  Fifth  street,  No.  58,  now 
occupied  by  Anthony  Tripple,  at  an  annual 
rent  of $130  00 

Do.  adjoining — No.  60,  occupied  by 
William  Johnston  ....  150  00 

Do.  in  Mulberry  street,  near  Front,  No. 
10,  occupied  by  Geo.  Scott    .         .         .  200  00 


480  00 

33 


386  APPENDIX. 

Deduct  estimated  repairs  and  taxes  per 
annum,  $60 — also,  this  sum  to  be  applied 
annually  "  towards  the  tuition  of  the  poor 
children  of  St.  Peter's  Church,"  $80      .  140  00 

Estimated  annual  amount  to  be  "  distri- 
buted between  the  poor  that  are  in  actual 
communion  in  St.  Peter's  Church"  .         .     $340  00 

To  be  applied  "  toward  the  tuition  of 
the  poor  children  of  St.  Peter's  Church" 
as  mentioned  above         .         .         .         .     80  00 

Also  a  ground-rent  on  lot  on  S.  Second 
street,  near  the  Wharton  Market,  payable 
by  Ann  Veacock  .         .         .         .     26  67 


Annual  appropriation  for  the  tuition  of 
the  poor  children  of  St.  Peter's  Church      .         .     106  67 

Estimated  annual  income  from  Wm. 
Thomas's  legacy 446  67 

Balance  now  in  the  hands  of  the  commit- 
tee for  distribution  among  the  poor  com- 
municants of  St.  Peter's  Church      .         .  300  46 

And  for  the  tuition  of  the  poor  children 
of  said  church 128  07 


$428  53 


Committee  on  Thomas's  Legacy — Lawrence  Lewis, 
John  Miller,  Jr.  William  Phillips. 

LAWRENCE  LEWIS, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Thomas's  Legacy. 
February  14th,  1832. 


EARLY   HISTORY    OF   THE    CHURCH 


PENNSYLVANIA, 


SOME    OF    THE    ADJOINING    STATES. 


"  Thou  hast  brought  a  vine  out  of  Egypt ;  thou  hast  cast  out 
the  heathen,  and  planted  it. 

Thou  madest  room  for  it ;  and  when  it  had  taken  root,  it 
filled  the  land. 

The  hills  were  covered  with  the  shadow  of  it,  and  the  boughs 
thereof  were  like  the  goodly  cedar  trees. 

She  stretched  out  her  branches  unto  the  sea,  and  her  boughs 
unto  the  river." — Psalm  lxxx,  8-11. 


EARLY 
HISTORY   OF   THE   CHURCH 


IN 


PENNSYLVANIA, 

AND  SOME  OF  THE  ADJOINING  STATES. 


It  has  been  well  and  truly  said,  in  the  Preface  to 
our  book  of  Common  Prayer,  that  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  these  United  States  is  indebted, 
under  God,  to  the  church  of  England,  for  her  first 
foundation,  and  a  long  continuance  of  nursing  care  and 
protection.  The  remark  is  more  immediately  appli- 
cable to  the  venerable  society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  established  in  England 
in  the  year  1701,  under  royal  patronage,  for  the  ex- 
press purpose  of  disseminating  the  doctrines  and  wor- 
ship of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  British  colonies. 
The  history  of  that  society  for  the  first  seventy  or 
eighty  years  of  its  operations,  until  the  American  rev- 
olution put  a  stop  to  its  benevolent  labours  here,  is  the 
history  of  the  establishment  and  progress  of  the  church 
in  this  country.  A  large  debt  of  gratitude  is  certainly 
due  from  us  for  their  successful  efforts.  Nor  can  wc 
forbear  acknowledging  the  truth  of  a  prediction  made 
*33 


390  EARLY     HISTORY 

more  than  a  hundred  years  ago  in  reference  to  this 
subject,  "  that  the  principles  implanted  in  the  people 
then,  would  influence  future  generations;  and  though 
that  age  was  greatly  indebted  to  the  society,  their  pos- 
terity would  be  exceedingly  more  so."*  The  same 
writer  remarks  of  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
through  whose  influence  the  royal  charter  was  granted 
and  this  society  established,  that  it  "  was  an  action 
suitable  to  Archbishop  Tenison's  public  spirit  and 
honest  zeal  for  the  protestant  religion,  and  exceeding- 
ly becoming  his  high  station  and  authority  in  the 
church.  The  American  colonies  sure,"  he  adds,  "  can 
never  without  the  greatest  veneration  and  gratitude 
remember  him,  when  they  shall,  many  ages  hereafter, 
feel  the  happy  effects  of  having  the  christian  religion 
planted  among  them,  and  reflect  how  hearty  and  for- 
ward Archbishop  Tenison  appeared,  to  obtain  that 
charter  which  gave  life  and  authority  to  so  glorious 
an  undertaking."!  Every  Episcopalian  will  heartily 
respond  to  this  sentiment,  and  bless  God  for  having 
put  it  into  the  heart  of  so  great  and  good  a  man  to 
exert  his  influence  in  behalf  of  an  institution,  from 
which  we  derive  such  priceless  privileges. 

The  following  interesting  account  of  the  early  in- 
troduction of  the  church  int,o  this  and  the  neighbouring 
states,  is  taken  from  a  work  entitled  "  An  account  of 
the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts,  established  by  the  Royal  Charter  of  King  Wil- 
liam III.,  with  their  proceedings  and   success,  and 

*  Humphreys's  Hist,  of  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,  London,  1730,  Preface,  p.  4. 
t  Ibid.  p.  13. 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  391 

hopes  of  continual  progress  under  the  happy  reign  of 
her  most  excellent  majesty  Queen  Anne."  "  Printed 
by  order  of  the  Society,  John  Chamberlayne,  Secre- 
tary."    London,  170G. 

This  is  a  small  quarto  of  about  one  hundred  pages, 
No.  478,  of  the  Philadelphia  Library,  and  contains  a 
very  valuable  history  of  the  origin  of  the  Society  and 
its  operations  for  the  first  four  years.  It  is  the  most 
particular  account  I  have  yet  seen,  of  the  first  efforts 
to  plant  the  church  in  this  country,  by  the  venerable 
Society  to  which,  under  God,  we  owe  so  much. 

Speaking  of  the  condition  of  the  Church  in  these 
colonies  before  the  Society  was  organized,  the  author 
says, — 

"  An  order  of  King  and  Council  is  said  to  have  been 
made  to  commit  unto  the  bishops  of  London,  for  the  time 
being,  the  care  and  pastoral  charge  of  sending  over  minis- 
ters into  our  foreign  plantations,  and  having  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  them.  But  when  the  present  Lord  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don was  advanced  to  that  see  in  1675,  his  lordship  found 
this  title  so  defective,  that  little  or  no  good  had  come  of  it. 
For  it  being  left  to  such  as  were  concerned  in  those  parts 
to  provide  for  the  transporting  of  such  ministers  as  should 
be  appointed  or  allowed  by  the  bishop,  there  was  so  little 
done,  that  when  his  lordship  inquired  how  the  several 
colonies  were  provided,  he  found  there  were  scarce  four 
ministers  of  the  church  of  England  in  all  the  vast  tract  of 
America,  and  not  above  one  or  two  of  them,  at  most,  reg- 
ularly sent  over.  To  supply  this  sad  defect,  his  lordship 
made  his  proposals  to  several  of  those  places  to  furnish 
them  with  chaplains,  and  had  generally  an  encouragement 
from  them  so  to  do.     And  for  the  better  effecting  of  it,  his 


392  EARLY    HISTORY 

lordship  prevailed  with  his  Majesty  King  Charles  I.  to  allow 
to  each  minister,  or  school-master  that  should  go  over,  the 
sum  of  twenty  pounds  for  his  passage,  which  royal  bounty 
hath  been  ever  since  continued.  And  instructions  were 
given  to  each  governor,  to  admit  none  authoritatively  to 
serve  any  cure  of  souls,  or  to  teach  school,  but  such  only 
as  brought  over  the  bishop  of  London's  license  with  them. 
And  as  a  further  great  favour,  it  was  ordered,  that  from 
that  time,  every  minister  should  be  one  of  the  vestry  of  his 
respective  parish.  Upon  this,  they  built  churches  gene- 
rally within  all  their  parishes  in  the  Leeward  Islands,  and 
in  Jamaica.  And  for  the  better  ordering  of  them,  his 
lordship  prevailed  with  the  King,  to  devolve  all  ecclesias- 
tical jurisdiction  in  those  parts  upon  him  and  his  succes- 
sors, except  what  concerned  inductions,  marriages,  probate 
of  wills,  and  administrations,  which  was  continued  to  the 
governors  as  profitable  branches  of  their  revenue.  And 
for  their  better  encouragement,  his  lordship  procured 
from  his  majesty  the  royal  gift  of  a  fair  bible,  common 
prayer  book,  books  of  homilies,  articles  and  canons,  and 
tables  of  marriages,  for  each  parish,  to  the  value  of  about 
twelve  hundred  pounds.  At  that  time,  there  was  no  church 
of  England  minister  either  in  Pennsylvania,  the  Jerseys, 
New  York,  or  New  England ;  only  the  chaplain  to  the 
fort  at  New  York  officiated  in  those  parts,  till  a  church 
was  opened  at  Boston  ;  and  soon  after  the  people  of  Rhode 
Island  built  a  church  to  the  same  purpose,  and  Colonel 
Fletcher,  when  Governor  of  New  York,  procured  the 
assembly  to  set  out  six  churches,  with  allowances  from 
forty  to  sixty  pounds  a  year,  for  the  maintenance  of  min- 
isters. And  the  better  to  accommodate  the  residing 
clergy,  there  was  order  given  to  several  of  the  governors 
in  the  Islands,  that  as  escheats  should  fall  in  any  parish 
that  was  not  provided  of  manse  and  glebe,  some  part  of 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  393 

those  escheated  lands  should  be  settled  for  that  pious  use ; 
though  this,  we  doubt,  has  hitherto  had  very  little  effect. 
When  the  state  of  religion  began  thus  to  prosper  in  our 
foreign  plantations,  then,  for  the  better  order  and  increase 
of  it,  the  lord  bishop  of  London  did  constitute  and  appoint 
the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Blair,  to  be  his  commissary  in  Vir- 
ginia ;  and  did  afterward  send  over  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas 
Bray,  as  his  commissary  to  Maryland  ;  who,  being  assist- 
ed by  the  generous  contributions  of  Her  Royal  Highness 
the  Princess  of  Denmark,  (our  present  gracious  queen)  and 
many  of  the  nobility,  gentry  and  clergy,  did  settle  and  sup- 
port several  new  ministers  in  that  province,  and  did  fix 
and  furnish  parochial  libraries,  and  did  other  public  ser- 
vices ;  of  which  he  has  himself  given  a  true  and  modest 
account.  And  to  encourage  these  endeavours,  a  private 
society  was  formed  to  meet  and  consult,  and  contribute 
towards  this  progress  of  Christianity  in   foreign  parts. 

When  so  good  a  foundation  had  been  laid,  it  was  time 
for  public  authority  again  to  espouse,  and  confirm,  and 
carry  on  this  good  work,  as  a  national  concern,  and  a 
blessing  to  the  christian  world.  And  therefore,  soon  after 
the  late  happy  revolution,  when  our  glorious  deliverer, 
King  William,  had  rescued  the  Church  of  England  and  the 
Protestant  religion  from  extreme  dangers ;  it  was  then  by 
Divine  Providence  a  more  favourable  opportunity  for  soli- 
citing and  promoting  this  blessed  design  of  propagating  the 
gospel  more  effectually  in  foreign  parts :  and  accordingly, 
in  this  happy  juncture,  a  proper  application  was  made  by 
the  Arch-bishops  and  Bishops  to  the  King,  who  accord- 
ingly granted  a  charter,  dated  16  of  June,  1701,  for  the 
erecting  a  corporation  or  society,  for  the  propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts* 

After  these  preliminaries,  the  society  endeavoured  to 
gain  the  best  information  they  could  of  the  present  state  of 


394  EARLY     HISTORY 

the  christian  religion  in  our  American  plantations,  and  did 
find,  that  in  some  places  it  was  so  very  sad  and  deplorable,  that 
there  were  scarce  any  footsteps  of  religion  to  be  seen  among 
them  ;  and  where  there  was  any  sense  of  it  left,  the  people 
had  sent  very  mournful  complaints  of  their  want  of  minis- 
ters to  instruct,  assist,  and  guide  them  in  it.  For  whereas 
the  English  colonies  in  America  were  extended  twelve 
hundred  miles  in  length,  upon  the  sea  coast,  well  settled 
with  people,  under  ten  several  governments :  in  some  of 
these  there  was  yet  no  manner  of  provision  of  ministers, 
or  any  support  for  them,  and  in  all  the  others,  much  fewer 
than  the  public  service  of  God,  and  the  instruction  of  the 
people  did  reasonably  require. 

To  make  their  inquiries  more  effectual,  they  sent  over 
the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Keith,  as  a  travelling  missionary  into 
those  parts,  who  kept  a  journal  of  his  travels  and  labours, 
now  published  by  him. 

Upon  the  happy  accession  of  her  present  majesty  to  the 
throne,  this  work  of  propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign 
parts  had  a  new  life  and  vigor  put  into  it.  An  address  was 
immediately  made  to  her  majesty  by  the  President  and 
Vice  Presidents,  and  the  rest  of  the  members  of  the  so- 
ciety, after  "  condoling  with  her  majesty  for  the  great  loss 
sustained  by  the  death  of  the  late  king  of  glorious  memory, 
the  founder  of  this  society,  they  proceeded  to  express 
their  great  joy  and  satisfaction  to  see  a  princess  of  such  illus- 
trious piety  and  virtue,  advanced  to  the  throne  of  her  royal 
ancestors — as  well  as  for  promoting  a  glorious  reforma- 
tion, and  thereby  an  happy  union  at  home,  as  for  propa- 
gating the  christian  faith  in  all  her  majesty's  dominions 
abroad.  Which  great  work  of  propagating  the  christian 
religion  being  that  with  which  they  have  the  honour  to  be 
particularly  entitled,  they  declare  themselves  deeply  sensi- 
ble  of  the  obligation   they  have  to   her  majesty,  for  her 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  395 

princely  beneficence  to  it,  when  it  was  first  undertaken  and 
carried  on  by  a  private  society — they  profess  an  entire  as- 
surance of  her  zeal  for  the  public  good,  and  that  they  are 
induced  to  believe  that  her  majesty's  government,  being 
thus  founded  on  religion  and  justice,  cannot  fail  of  a  bless- 
ing from  heaven  upon  all  her  undertakings."  To  which 
her  majesty  was  pleased  to  give  this  gracious  answer  :  "  I 
shall  be  always  ready  to  do  my  part  towards  promoting 
and  encouraging  so  good  a  work"  Under  this  protection 
and  favour  of  her  most  excellent  majesty,  the  society  went 
on  with  greater  courage  and  cheerfulness,  to  prosecute 
their  laudable  designs. 

Several  divines  and  other  students  offered  their  service 
to  the  society ;  and  those  of  them  who  were  found  to  have 
the  best  characters,  and  the  greatest  abilities,  were  re- 
ceived, and  employed,  and  supported  to  their  full  satisfac- 
tion. Mr.  Patrick  Gourdon,  was  sent  a  missionary  to  New 
York,  with  a  competent  allowance  of  fifty  pounds  per 
annum,  or  more  if  the  society  should  think  fit.  Mr.  John 
Bartow,  to  West  Chester  in  the  same  province,  with  fifty 
pounds  per  annum,  and  a  benevolence  of  thirty  pounds. 
Mr.  Samuel  Thomas  to  South  Carolina,  with  the  yearly 
support  of  fifty  pounds,  with  ten  pounds  to  be  laid  out  in 
stuffs,  for  the  use  of  the  wild  Indians  in  those  parts  of 
South  Carolina,  where  the  said  Mr.  Thomas  was  to 
reside,  and  twenty  pounds  for  his  farther  encouragement. 
Mr.  John  Talbot,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  in  Burlington,  in 
New  Jersey,  was  allowed  to  be  an  itinerant  companion  and 
assistant  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Keith,  in  his  mission 
and  travels,  with  an  allowance  of  sixty  pounds  per  annum. 
Mr.  John  Brook  was  appointed  to  serve  at  Shrewsbury, 
Amboy,  Elizabeth-town,  and  Free-hold  in  East  Jersey, 
and  was  supported  by  an  annual  pension  of  fifty  pounds. 
Mr.  William  Barclay,  the  church  of  England  minister  at 


396  EARLY     HISTORY 

Braintree  in  New  England,  had  an  annual  encouragement 
of  fifty  pounds,  and  a  gratuity  of  twenty-five  pounds  for 
present  occasions.  Mr.  Henry  Nichols  was  settled  as  min- 
ister in  Uplands  in  Pennsylvania,  with  an  allowance  of  fifty 
pounds  per  annum  from  the  society.  Mr.  Thomas  Craw- 
ford at  Dover-Hundred  in  the  same  province,  had  a  like 
annual  allowance  of  fifty  pounds,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Rudman, 
had  a  reward  given  to  him  for  the  supply  of  Oxford  or 
Franckfort  in  the  same  county.  Mr.  James  Honyman 
was  sent  to  Rhode-Island,  with  the  assistance  of  thirty 
pounds  per  annum.  Mr.  William  Urquhart  was  fixed  at 
Jamaica,  in  Long-Island,  with  a  salary  of  fifty  pounds  per 
annum,  and  Mr.  John  Thomas,  at  Hempstead  in  the  same 
island,  with  the  same  support.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Le  Jau  was 
sent  to  Goose-creek  in  South  Carolina  (where  Mr.  Stack- 
house  had  been  before  appointed  and  supported  by  the  so- 
ciety) with  an  honourable  allowance  of  fifty  pounds  yearly, 
and  twenty-five  pounds  for  his  charges  in  transporting  him- 
self and  family.  Besides  these,  the  society  have  sent  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ross  to  New  Castle  in  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Mackenzy  to  Staten  Island,  in  New  York,  and  several 
other  missionaries.  And  to  make  them  the  more  easy  and 
cheerful  in  their  undertaking  this  mission,  the  society  have 
made  it  a  rule  and  practice,  that  one  whole  year's  salary 
shall  be  ascertained  to  each  missionary,  (or  his  assigns) 
living  or  dying ;  and  one  moiety  of  it  paid  in  hand.  And 
whereas  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson,  a  painful  minister  in  New- 
foundland, had  gone  upon  a  mission  into  those  parts,  with  a 
wife  and  eight  children,  upon  the  encouragement  of  a  pri- 
vate subscription  of  fifty  pounds  per  annum  for  three  years  ; 
when  his  time  expired,  and  that  benefaction  ceased,  to  en- 
courage him  to  continue  in  a  place  where  he  did  great 
service,  the  society  sent  him  thirty  pounds  for  a  present 
benevolence,  and  ordered  fifty  pounds  per  annum  to  be 


OF    THE    CHURCH.  397 

ascertained  to  him  for  three  years  more  to  come.  And  it 
must  be  observed,  that  besides  the  stated  salaries  allowed 
to  all  our  missionaries,  to  encourage  and  assist  them  in 
their  studies,  a  present  of.  books,  (cnosen  out  of  an  approved 
catalogue)  to  the  value  of  ten  pounds,  was  made  to  every- 
one of  them,  for  the  use  of  themselves  and  their  successors  ; 
and  another  parcel  of  small  tracts  and  papers  upon  divine 
and  moral  practical  subjects,  to  the  value  of  rive  pounds,  in 
like  manner  to  each  of  them,  to  be  freely  distributed  among 
their  people  and  neighbours  in  those  foreign  parts ;  which 
useful  presents  of  books  and  papers  have  not  been  confined 
to  our  missionaries  only  ;  but  have  been  frequently  given 
to  any  ministers  and  chaplains  who  have  been  going  abroad, 
upon  any  other  foot,  into  our  factories,  colonies,  or  planta- 
tions. To  whom  likewise,  upon  occasion,  some  pecuniary 
gifts  have  been  seasonably  presented  ;  such  as  thirty  pounds 
for  a  gratuity  to  Mr.  Tyliard  going  to  Virginia ;  twenty  to 
Mr.  Eburne  a  minister  of  the  Isle  of  Shoals.  Twenty 
pounds  to  Mr.  Macqueen,  for  his  encouragement  in  his  voy- 
age to  Mary-Land,  going  thither  by  the  directions  of  the 
Lord  Bishops  of  London.  To  Mr.  John  Sharp  thirty 
pounds  for  his  good  services  in  East  Jersey.  To  Mr.  Ro- 
bert Keith  in  Mary-Land,  ten  pounds.  To  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Gifford  and  other  ministers  in  Antigua,  twenty  pounds  ; 
and  several  other  sums  to  several  other  persons. 

The  society  have  taken  farther  care  to  extend  their 
charity  and  bounty  to  all  proper  objects,  and  upon  all  suit- 
able occasions,  that  might  any  way  contribute  to  their 
general  design.  They  have  sent  tokens  of  their  respect  to 
the  Dutch  ministers  of  Albany,  to  encourage  them  in  their 
services  among  the  Indians.  They  have  established  a 
catechist  at  New  York,  for  the  benefit  of  converts  and  no- 
vices in  the  christian  religion.  They  have  allowed  a 
salary  to  Mr.  Cleator,  a  school-master  at  Rye,  in  the  pro- 

34 


398  EARLY    HISTORY 

vince  of  New  York.  They  have  borne  the  charges  of  a 
royal  patent  for  a  minister  and  school-master  at  Philadel- 
phia in  Pennsylvania,  and  have  supplied  the  first  school- 
master there  with  books  and  money.  They  have  allowed 
fifteen  pounds  to  the  minister  and  church-wardens  of  New 
Port  in  Rhode  Island,  towards  furnishing  and  adorning 
their  church  with  a  chalice,  patten,  cloth  for  pulpit  and 
communion  table,  and  other  ornaments.  They  have  sent 
a  certain  number  of  Greek  Testaments  and  Liturgies  to 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Urmston  at  Moscow,  for  the  use  of  the  in- 
habitants, and  many  English  practical  books  for  the  youth 
and  servants  of  that  factory  ;  as  also  bibles,  common-prayer 
books,  and  other  benefactions,  as  more  largely  appears 
upon  the  register  of  the  society.  This  continual  bounty 
has  had  very  good  effects  abroad,  by  influencing  and  excit- 
ing the  governors  and  inhabitants  to  build  several  new 
churches,  to  erect  houses,  to  allot  glebes,  and  to  assign  (in 
part  at  least)  a  settled  maintenance  for  their  ministers ; 
and  even  to  convert  some  of  the  meeting-houses  of  quakers, 
and  other  sectaries,  into  places  of  worship  according  to  the 
church  of  England.  And  several  addresses,  letters,  and 
other  applications  have  been  made,  and  sent,  from  some  of 
the  magistrates  and  chief  inhabitants  of  the  plantations  to 
our  society,  for  their  advice  and  assistance  in  propagating 
religion  amongst  them,  to  which  the  society  have  made 
proper  and  suitable  returns.  These  and  other  pious  endea- 
vours of  the  society  have,  by  God's  blessing,  had  a  good 
effect,  by  setting  an  example  to  the  plantations  themselves, 
and  exciting  them  to  contribute  to  their  own  happiness. 
For  this  zeal  and  bounty  of  the  corporation  had  a  sensible 
influence  upon  the  governors  and  inhabitants,  and  did 
induce  them  with  the  more  cheerfulness  to  build  churches, 
to  allot  glebes,  and  to  assign  some  stated  portions  of  main- 
tenance for  a  settled  ministry.     This  noble  emulation  was 


OF    THE    CHURCH.  399 

continually  kept  up  by  letters  of  the  society  to  the  respec- 
tive governors,  who  were  most  of  them  very  instrumental 
in  promoting  the  good  work.  And  whenever  any  founda- 
tions of  a  new  church  were  laid  or  projected,  the  people  of 
each  district,  in  their  solemn  vestries,  did  make  applica- 
tion to  the  society  for  their  help  and  assistance,  and  did 
never  fail  of  all  suitable  encouragement.  Thus  the  minis- 
ter and  church-wardens  of  Rhode  Island,  did  acquaint  the 
society,  (September  29,  1702,)  that  the  place  where  they 
met  to  worship,  was  finished  on  the  outside,  all  but  the 
steeple  ;  and  the  inside  was  pewed  well,  though  not  beauti- 
fied ;  they  had  a  communion  table  ;  but  they  wanted  orna- 
ments for  decency  and  order ;  assuring  the  society  that 
whatever  favours  they  should  please  to  bestow  upon  them, 
towards  the  perfecting  of  their  church,  should  be  accepted 
with  the  humblest  gratitude,  and  seconded  with  the  utmost 
of  their  own  abilities.  In  like  manner  the  vestry  of  Dover- 
Hundred  within  Kent  county  in  Pennsylvania,  did  (August 
30,  1703,)  represent  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  the  great 
want  of  a  preacher  among  them,  to  teach  and  instruct  the 
people  in  matters  of  religion,  and  their  duty  towards  God, 
&c.  and  that  they  would  endeavour,  according  to  their 
abilities,  to  contribute  towards  his  maintainance  ;  and  hum- 
bly intimated  their  expectations  of  help  and  encouragement 
from  the  society  formed  in  England  for  the  propagation  of 
christian  religion  in  America. 

Soon  after,  the  church-wardens  and  other  members  of 
the  church  of  England,  in  the  colony  of  West  Jersey,  did 
(September  4,  1703,)  express  their  design  of  erecting  a 
church  at  Burlington,  for  the  worship  of  God  according  to 
the  law  established  in  England  ;  and  desire,  that  their  in- 
fant church  may  receive  from  the  society  a  benefaction  of 
common  prayer  books,  catechisms,  necessaries  for  the  com- 
munion table  and  pulpit,  &c.     The  minister  and  vestry  of 


400  EARLY     HISTORY 

the  church  at  New  Port  in  Rhode  Island,  did,  by  a  letter 
to  the  society  dated  December  23,  1703,  thank  them  for 
their  grateful  and  acceptable  present  of  furniture  for  their 
communion  table  ;  professing  that  it  was  a  great  joy  to 
them,  to  be  taken  notice  of  by  so  great  a  body  ;  they  desire 
a  continuance  of  the  society's  allowance  of  fifty  pounds  per 
annum  to  their  minister :  they  are  building  a  steeple,  and 
are  enlarging  their  church  by  a  new  gallery,  and  desire  to 
be  continued  under  the  protection  of  the  honourable  society. 
The  vestry  of  Burlington  in  W.  N.  Jersey,  by  letters  to 
the  society  dated  April  2,  1704,  desire  to  adore  the  good. 
ness  of  God  for  moving  the  hearts  of  the  lords  spiritual, 
nobles,  and  gentry,  to  enter  into  a  society  for  propagating 
the  gospel  in  foreign  parts  ;  the  benefit  of  which  they  have 
already  experienced,  and  hope  further  to  enjoy.  They  have 
joined  in  a  subscription  to  build  a  church,  which  though 
not  yet  near  finished,  they  have  heard  several  sermons  in 
it ;  but  are  not  able  to  maintain  a  minister  without  the 
assistance  of  the  society,  whereon  they  beg  God  to  shower 
down  his  blessing  as  a  reward  for  their  great  charity  and 
care  for  the  good  of  souls.  The  church-wardens  and  ves- 
try of  Braintree  in  New  England,  by  letters  to  the  Bishop 
of  London,  October  19,  1704,  give  their  testimonials  to 
Mr.  George  Muirson,  returning  into  England  to  receive 
Holy  Orders  ;  and  complain  that  they  are  destitute  of  help, 
and  therefore  beseech  his  lordship  to  remember  them  who 
are  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd ;  and  to  send  over  their 
Rev.  pastor,  Mr.  William  Barclay,  to  them,  &c.  The  in- 
habitants and  freeholders  of  the  town  of  Rye  and  Mama- 
roneck,  in  the  province  of  New  York,  become  humble  sup- 
plicants to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London,  that  Mr.  Joseph 
Cleator,  whose  affairs  required  his  attendance  in  England, 
might  obtain  such  an  allowance  from  the  society,  as  with 
what  they  were  able   to  give  him  might  encourage  his 


OP    THE     CHURCH.  401 

return  among  them,  to  teach  school,  for  the  instruction  of 
their  children.  In  short,  many  other  public  letters  were 
continually  sent  over,  by  which  it  appeared,  that  the  in- 
habitants of  Hopewell  and  Maidenhead,  were  building  a 
church,  and  desired  a  minister  and  some  subsistence  for 
him ;  that  there  were  churches  building  at  Salem,  at  Am- 
boy,  and  Elizabeth-Town ;  that  the  inhabitants  of  Dover- 
Hundred,  in  Kent  county,  had  subscribed  fifty-five  pounces 
seventeen  shillings  in  Pennsylvania  money,  towards  the 
maintenance  of  a  minister :  that  the  inhabitants  of  North 
and  South  Appoqueniminck  creek,  were  preparing  to  build 
a  church,  desiring  a  minister  with  fifty  pounds  per  annum 
from  the  society,  and  hoping  to  add  something  themselves 
towards  his  subsistence.  The  chief  of  which  inhabitants 
have  since  sent  over  an, address  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of 
London,  certifying  that  they  have  a  very  commodious 
church  already  built,  and  that  they  earnestly  desire  a  pious 
minister  to  reside  among  them,  to  guide  and  instruct  them 
in  religion,  according  to  the  principles,  doctrine  and  wor- 
ship, of  the  Church  of  England,  for  whose  encouragement 
they  had  made  subscriptions  according  to  the  best  of  their 
abilities.  That  the  vestry  of  St.  Paul's  in  Chester  or  Up- 
lands, did  crave  advice  of  the  society,  concerning  some 
lands  given  to  the  use  of  the  Swedish  Church  there,  and 
sold  by  some  Swedes  to  a  quaker,  how  to  recover  it  to  the 
use  of  their  own  English  church ;  they  are  thankful  for 
the  society's  contribution  to  the  maintenance  of  their  min- 
ister, Mr.  Nichols  ;  and  acknowledge  the  great  favour  of 
sending  so  good  and  worthy  man  among  them.  That  the 
minister  and  vestry  of  Philadelphia,  could  never  be  suffi- 
ciently thankful  to  divine  Providence  for  raising  up  such  an 
honourable  society  to  maintain  the  interests  of  religion, 
and  to  engage  in  the  great  work  of  promoting  the  salva- 
tion of  men  ;  and  that  they  return  their  most  thankful  ac- 
34* 


402 


EARLY     HISTORY 


knowledgments  for  the  society's  pious  care  in  sending  over 
the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Keith  and  his  associate  Mr.  John 
Talbot,  whose  labours  and  conversation  they  very  much 
commend ;  that  the  minister  and  vestry  of  Chester  in  Penn- 
sylvania, did  bless  God  for  putting  it  into  the  hearts  of  so 
many  charitable  christians  to  engage  in  the  great  work  of 
promoting  the  salvation  of  such  as  were  so  widely  removen 
from  all  conveniences  of  divine  worship ;  they  are  thankful 
for  their  minister,  and  for  the  society's  support  of  him,  and 
beg  the  continuance  of  their  benevolence,  &c. 

It  must  be  further  observed,  that  the  society  have  taken 
care  to  propagate  christian  religion  according  to  the  purity 
of  faith  and  worship  profest  and  established  in  the  church 
of  England,  and  have  consulted  the  honour  and  interest  of 
our  English  church,  by  all  the  fairest  and  most  effectual 
ways  and  means.  Upon  this  honest  view,  they  have  taken 
care  to  send  no  missionaries,  but  such  as,  among  other 
qualifications,  have  a  good  attestation  of  their  affection  to 
the  present  government,  and  of  their  conformity  to  the  doc- 
trine and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England.  And  in 
their  request  to  the  Bishops  and  Arch  Deacons,  for  recom- 
mending to  them  fit  ministers  to  be  sent  abroad,  they  declare 
that  their  subsistence  and  encouragement  shall  be  given 
only  to  those  who  devote  themselves  to  the  service  of  God, 
by  propagating  and  promoting  the  gospel  in  the  truth  and 
purity  of  it,  according  to  the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  wor- 
ship established  in  the  Church  of  England.  And  among 
the  instructions  given  to  their  missionaries,  they  do  direct 
them  that  they  conscientiously  observe  the  rule  of  our  Lit- 
urgy in  the  performance  of  all  the  offices  of  their  ministry. 
That  besides  the  stated  service  appointed  for  Sundays  and 
Holidays,  they  do,  as  far  as  they  shall  find  it  practicable, 
publicly  read  the  daily  morning  and  evening  service — that 
they  consider  the  qualifications  of  those  whom  they  admit 


OP    THE    CHURCH  403 

to  the  Lord's  Supper,  according  to  the  directions  of  the 
Ruhricks  in  our  Liturgy — that  they  explain  the  Church- 
Catechism  in  the  most  easy  and  familiar  manner — that 
they  frequently  visit  their  respective  parishioners,  those  of 
our  own  communion,  to  keep  them  steady  in  the  profession 
and  practice  of  religion,  as  taught  in  the  church  of  Eng- 
land. Those  that  oppose  us,  or  dissent  from  us,  to  con- 
vince and  reclaim  them  with  a  spirit  of  meekness  and  gen- 
tleness. And  to  encourage  the  English  decency  and  order 
in  the  several  plantation  churches,  the  society  have  ex- 
pended above  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  in  large  Bibles 
and  folio  Common  Prayer-books,  for  public  use  and  service, 
and  more  than  two  hundred  pounds,  in  small  common 
Prayer-Books,  Catechisms,  and  expositors,  to  be  distributed 
gratis  among  the  people.  Ajid  for  an  example,  to  furnish 
the  churches  with  suitable  ornaments,  they  have  sent  over 
two  distinct  services  of  communion  cups  and  patens  in  sil- 
ver, with  pulpit  cloths  and  cushions,  and  carpets  and  linen 
for  the  communion-table.  In  a  late  monthly  meeting  of 
the  society,  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London  reported,  that  Her 
Majesty,  of  her  princely  grace  and  favour,  had  been  pleased 
(through  his  lordship's  hands)  to  allow  five  large  Church- 
Bibles,  Common  Prayer-Books,  and  Books  of  Homilies,  as 
also  pulpit  cloths,  communion-table  cloths,  silver  chalices 
and  patens,  for  each  of  the  five  churches  in  the  govern- 
ment of  New  York,  viz. :  Hempstead  and  Jamaica  in  Long 
Island,  West  Chester,  Rye,  and  Staten  Island.  So  far  may 
the  prophecy  and  the  fulfilling  of  it  be  applied  to  the 
Church  of  Christ  arising  in  America  ;  Kings  shall  be  thy 
nursing  fathers,  and  Queens  thy  nursing  mothers. 

The  subscriptions,  gifts,  and  legacies  so  made  to  the  so- 
ciety, have  enabled  them  to  expend,  for  the  first  year,  four 
hundred  and  fifty-two  pounds,  ten  shillings  and  nine-pence. 
For  the  second  year,  five  hundred  and  seventy-five  pounds, 


404  EARLY     HISTORY    . 

seven  shillings  and  four-pence.  For  the  third  year,  eight 
hundred  and  sixty-four  pounds,  five  shillings  and  two-pence. 
And  for  the  last  year,  to  midsummer  1705,  the  sum  of  one 
thousand  three  hundred  and  forty-three  pounds,  one  shil- 
ling and  nine-pence  half-penny.  And  if  their  abilities  were 
equal  to  the  pressing  occasions  of  supply,  they  would  con- 
tinually send  over  more  missionaries,  both  itinerant  and 
resident ;  they  would  contribute  to  the  erecting  and  endow- 
ing of  more  churches,  and  chapels,  and  schools,  and  libra- 
ries ;  and,  by  all  possible  ways  and  means,  would  more 
and  more  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  souls, 
by  a  vigorous  propagation  of  the  gospel  in  those  foreign 
parts.  And  therefore  we  humbly  desire,  and  earnestly  en- 
treat, and  for  the  sake  of  the  holy  Jesus,  whose  gospel  and 
work  it  is,  we  heartily  implore  the  aid  and  assistance  of 
all  christians,  who  have  any  concern  for  Christianity. 

Thus  have  we  given  a  true  and  faithful  account  of  the 
constitution  and  proceedings  of  the  society,  established  by 
royal  charter,  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts  ;  and  we  here  publish  it  to  the  world,  not  for  osten- 
tation of  what  has  been  done,  (which  is  little  or  nothing  in 
proportibn  to  the  great  work,)  but  to  show  what  a  mighty 
trust  is  committed  to  us  ;  how  sincerely  we  have  endea- 
voured to  discharge  it ;  how  willing  we  are  to  labour  in 
the  prosecution  of  it ;  and  how  much  we  want  a  farther 
assistance  and  supply  from  all  good  and  pious  christians, 
who  may  depend  on  a  just  disposal  of  their  charity  in 
promoting  the  best  design  in  the  world,  that  of  the  conver- 
sion of  souls,  by  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel.  Prosper 
Thou  the  work,  O  Lord,  and  make  it  appear  to  be  the 
work  of  Thy  hands." 

The  preceding  account  gives  only  the  history  of  the 
Society's  operations  for  the  first  four  years  of  its  exis- 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  405 

tence.  The  following  is  an  account  of  its  continued 
efforts  to  plant,  and  nourish  the  church  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, Delaware  and  New  Jersey,  for  more  than  twenty 
years  after.  The  work  from  which  we  extract  is 
"  Humphreys's  History  of  the  Society  for  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  London,  1730." 
It  contains  a  very  full  record  of  the  Society's  pro- 
ceedings up  to  the  year  1728.  The  author,  Dr.  David 
Humphreys,  was  secretary  to  the  society,  and  drew 
the  materials  of  his  history,  as  he  tells  us  in  his  preface, 
"  from  papers  transmitted  to  the  society,  by  governors 
of  colonies,  or  persons  of  note  abroad ;  or  from  con- 
gregations of  people,  and  the  missionaries  in  the  plan- 
tations ;"  the  original  documents  being  "  in  the  soci- 
ety's custody."  His  account  may  therefore  be  relied 
on  as  authentic,  and  "  sufficiently  exact  in  all  material 
points." 

After  giving  a  deplorable  account  of  the  religious 
destitution  of  the  Southern  States,  North  and  South 
Carolina,  Virginia  and  Maryland,  in  the  year  1701, 
when  the  Society  was  instituted,  he  says  : 

"  The  large  adjoining  colony,  Pennsylvania,  was  in  a 
very  destitute  state,  wholly  unprovided  of  any  ministers  of 
the  church  of  England,  except  only  at  one  place,  Philadel- 
phia. A  considerable  number  of  people  here,  members  of 
the  church  of  England,  had  formed  themselves  into  a 
gathered  church,  and  chose  a  vestry,  and  transmitted  to 
the  society  a  very  zealous  letter  in  the  year  1704,  wherein 
they  say,  '  They  can  never  be  sufficiently  thankful  to  Divine 
Providence,  who  hath  raised  up  this  society,  to  maintain 
the  honour  of  religion,  and  to  engage  in  the  great  work, 
the  salvation  of  men.     That  gratitude,  and  an  humble  ac- 


406  EARLY     HISTORY 

knowledgment  of  their  noble  and  charitable  resolution  of 
propagating  the  sacred  Gospel,  in  these  remote  and  dark 
corners  of  the  earth,  is  not  only  a  duty,  but  a  debt,  on  all 
true  professors  of  Christianity.' 

"  At  the  same  time  the  society  received  a  letter  from  the 
vestry  of  Chester,  in  Pennsylvania,  full  of  religious  senti- 
ments, '  that  they  did  bless  God,  who  had  put  it  into  the 
hearts  of  so  many  charitable  persons,  to  engage  in  the  great 
work  of  promoting  the  salvation  of  such  as  were  so  widely 
removed  from  all  conveniences  of  divine  worship,  as  they 
were,  till  the  christian  charity  of  this  society,  not  only 
procured  a  minister  for  them,  but  also  supported  him. 
This  truly  was  absolutely  necessary,  for  though  in  some 
parts  of  that  province,  and  particularly  in  and  about  Phila- 
delphia, abundance  of  souls  were  daily  added  to  the  church, 
yet  the  number  of  this  parish  being  small,  and  the  charge  of 
building  their  church  (not  then  quite  finished)  together 
with  the  great  scarcity  of  money  among  them  since  the  war 
with  Spain  ;  had  quite  disenabled  them  from  taking  that 
weight  from  the  society,  which  otherwise  they  would  have 
willingly  done.  They  never  before  had  grounds  even  to 
hope  the  Gospel  would  be  propagated  in  those,  above  all 
other  foreign  parts,  till  they  found  themselves  the  subjects 
of  the  society's  care.'  The  society  received  also  Fetters 
and  petitions  from  the  people  of  Dover-Hundred,  Oxford, 
and  from  the  Welsh  people  settled  at  Radnor,  requesting 
the  corporation  with  great  earnestness  to  send  them  mis- 
sionaries ;  and  expressing  the  greatest  love  and  esteem  for 
the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England." 
P.  53-55. 

The  next  extract  will  be  read  with  peculiar  interest, 
as  containing  an  account  of  the  first  efforts  of  the 
society  to  plant  the  church  in  Pennsylvania. 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  407 

"  The  society  before  they  proceeded  to  appoint  mission- 
aries to  particular  places,  resolved  to  send  a  travelling  mis- 
sionary or  preacher,  who  should  travel  over,  and  preach  in 
the  several  governments  on  the  continent  of  the  British 
America ;  by  which  means  they  hoped  they  should  awaken 
the  people  into  a  sense  of  the  duties  of  religion.  For  this 
purpose,  they  sent  the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Keith,  who  had 
formerly  resided  in  Pennsylvania,  an  itinerant  missionary 
through  the  continent  of  the  British  North  America,  with 
an  allowance  of  two  hundred  pounds  a  year.  He  set  sail 
from  England  on  the  24th  of  April,  in  1702,  and  arrived  at 
Boston,  in  New  England,  on  the  11th  of  June  following. 
He  performed  his  mission  in  two  years,  and  returned  to 
England,  and  published  a  full  account  of  his  labours  there, 
of  which  I  shall  give  the  reader  here,  a  very  short  sum- 
mary. He  travelled  over,  and  preached  in  all  the  govern- 
ments and  dominions  belonging  to  the  Crown  of  England, 
betwixt  North  Carolina  and  Piscataway  river  in  New 
England,  inclusively,  being  ten  distinct  governments ;  and 
extending  in  length  above  eight  hundred  miles.  During  the 
whole  time  of  his  mission  he  was  very  assiduous;  he 
preached  commonly  twice  on  Sundays,  besides  on  week- 
days, and  the  sermons  were  properly  adapted  to  the  hear- 
ers, before  whom  they  were  delivered.  He  had  generally 
good  success  where  he  preached ;  the  people  in  many 
places  were  well  disposed  for  receiving  of  the  gospel,  and 
seemed  to  hear  the  word  with  great  reverence,  humility, 
and  zeal.  They  joined  with  him  devoutly  in  the  liturgy 
and  all  public  prayers,  and  the  administration  of  the  sacra- 
ment, and  earnestly  desired  him  to  present  their  requests 
to  the  society,  to  have  ministers  sent  among  them.  But 
he  was  especially  successful  in  his  preaching,  and  private 
and  public  conferences,  in  several  places,  in  Pennsylvania, 
the  two  Jerseys,  Oyster  Bay  in  Long  Island,  and  at  New 


408  EARLY    HISTORY 

York,  where  he  laboured  most,  and  continued  the  longest 
time.  In  the  two  first  of  these  places,  a  great  number  of 
separatist  quakers  or  Keithians,  who  had  separated  from 
the  body  of  quakers  in  the  years  1691  and  1692,  had  quite 
relinquished  quaker  principles,  and  joined  themselves  to  the 
church  of  England  members  at  Philadelphia  ;  where  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Evans,  who  had  been  sent  thither  by  the  Bishop 
of  London,  had  now  a  very  numerous  congregation.  These 
people,  when  they  saw  Mr.  Keith,  who  had  been  the  chief 
instrument  and  occasion  of  their  forsaking  the  quaker 
errors,  coming  again  among  them,  and  in  the  character  of 
a  minister  of  the  church  of  England,  they  expressed  great 
joy  and  satisfaction  to  hear  him  preach  what  tended  to 
their  farther  confirmation  in  the  Christian  faith.  Mr. 
Evans,  the  minister  at  Philadelphia,  acquainted  him,  that 
he  had  baptized  above  500  men,  women  and  children,  qua- 
kers, in  Pennsylvania  and  West  Jersey.  And  Mr.  Keith, 
during  his  continuance  in  those  parts,  together  with  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Talbot,  who  accompanied  him  as  his  associate  in 
his  labours,  baptized  at  least  200  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
West  and  East  Jersey,  New  York,  and  in  some  places  on 
Long  Island,  especially  Oyster  Bay. 

There  were  now  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  three  church 
of  England  congregations,  which  had  convenient  churches, 
at  Philadelphia,  Chester  and  Oxford.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Evans,  Minister  of  Philadelphia,  preached  occasionally  at 
Chester,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rudman,  a  Swedish  missionary, 
officiated  at  Oxford.  At  Philadelphia,  they  had  public 
prayers  not  only  on  Sundays,  but  also  on  Wednesdays  and 
Fridays,  and  by  a  mean  computation  there  was  an  audience 
of  500  persons  from  the  town  and  country  near  Philadel- 
phia, and  more  on  great  festivals ;  at  the  church  at  Ches- 
ter, there  assembled  commonly  200  persons  ;  and  at  Ox- 
ford, above  150.     These  churches  are  within  thirty  miles 


OP     THE     CHURCH.  409 

distance  of  each  other,  and  were  frequented  by  a  consi- 
derable number  of  late  converts  to  the  church  from  qua- 
kerism,  and  were  persons  of  good  note  for  their  christian 
conversation,  devotion  and  zeal."  p.  73-77. 

"  Pennsylvania,  with  the  three  lower  counties,  extends  in 
length  near  three  hundred  miles,  and  in  breadth  above  two 
hundred,  watered  with  that  noble  stream  the  Delaware, 
navigable  three  hundred  miles  at  least,  in  small  vessels ;  it 
was  settled  by  people  of  several  European  nations,  by 
Swedes  and  some  Dutch  first,  and  afterwards  by  the  En- 
glish and  French.  The  first  English  settlers  here  were 
quakers,  above  two  thousand  of  which  went  over  from  Eng- 
land at  once,  with  Mr.  Penn,  the  proprietary  ;  but  since 
that  time,  great  numbers  of  persons  of  other  principles  in 
religion,  have  settled  themselves  there  ;  not  to  avoid  any 
violence  at  home,  but  to  improve  their  fortunes  in  those 
parts.  The  English  were  much  the  most  numerous  inhab- 
itants, and  quakerism  the  prevailing  opinion.  Mr.  George 
Keith,  who  resided  here,  says,  according  to  the  best  com- 
putation he  could  make,  above  1500  men  and  women  qua- 
kers, used  to  come  to  their  yearly  meetings,  at  Philadel- 
phia, from  the  adjoining  country,  and  from  East  and  West 
Jerseys,  in  the  year  1689. 

"  But  soon  after,  in  the  year  1691,  there  arose  a  breach 
between  a  party  of  quakers  who  joined  with  Mr.  Keith,  in 
opposing  some  of  their  errors,  (especially  their  notion  of  the 
sufficiency  of  the  light  within  every  man  to  salvation,  with- 
out any  thing  else,)  and  another  party  that  joined  with  Mr. 
Thomas  Loyd,  then  deputy  governor  of  the  country,  and  a 
great  preacher  among  the  quakers.  Upon  this  breach,  all 
the  meetings  in  these  provinces  were  broken,  and  eacn 
party  sat  up  separate  meetings,  upon  account  of  such  differ- 
ent principles  in  religion,  and  especially  with  regard  to  that 
notion,  of  the  sufficiency  of  the  light  within  every  man. 

35 


410  EARLY    HISTORY 

One  party  called  the  Keithian  quakers,  judged  this  a  tacit 
rejection  of  the  written  word  of  God,  and  of  the  sacra- 
ments, and  tending,  at  least,  to  set  up  deism.  They  divid- 
ed therefore  from  the  Foxian  quakers ;  and  in  the  year 
1694,  there  were  fifteen  meetings  of  these  separatist 
quakers,  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  Jerseys. 

"  The  Swedes  and  Dutch  settled  in  this  province,  had 
some  ministers  among  them,  but  the  English  had  none, 
till  the  year  1700 ;  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  was  sent 
over  to  Philadelphia  by  Bishop  Compton,  but  after  the 
Church  of  England  service  began  to  be  performed,  a  very 
numerous  congregation  attended  the  public  worship,  con- 
sisting chiefly  of  great  numbers  of  persons,  who  a  few 
years  before  had  separated  from  the  Foxian  quakers,  and 
now  joined  entirely  with  the  Church  of  England  members. 
They  increased  so  fast,  that  in  two  years  time,  there  were 
above  five  hundred  persons  who  frequented  the  church. 
They  petitioned  his  late  majesty,  King  William,  for  some 
stipend  for  their  minister,  and  his  majesty  was  pleased  to 
allow  fifty  pounds  sterling  to  their  minister,  and  thirty  pounds 
to  a  schoolmaster,  at  Philadelphia.  The  people  have  sev- 
eral times  made  application  for  some  salary  to  their  minis- 
ter from  this  society,  but  never  had  any ;  because  there 
were  many  poorer  settlements  in  this  country,  which 
claimed  the  society's  help. 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  being  thus  supported  by  the  royal 
bounty,  and  the  liberal  contributions  of  his  hearers  ;  was 
very  diligent  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  and  through 
God's  blessing  very  successful.  A  great  number  of  persons 
of  various  opinions,  not  only  in  Philadelphia,  the  metropolis 
of  this  country,  but  of  the  adjacent  parts,  began  to  see  their 
errors,  and  embraced  the  Church  of  England  worship. 
The  frequent  resort  of  people  of  the  better  condition,  from 
all  the  remote  parts  of  the  country,  to  that  capital  town, 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  411 

gave  them  an  opportunity  of  hearing  Mr.  Evans,  and  being 
informed  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Church  of  England.  A 
hearty  love  and  zeal  for  religion  spread  so  wide,  that  there 
arose  soon,  several  congregations  in  other  parts  of  the 
country  ;  Mr.  Evans  was  forced  to  divide  his  labours  among 
them,  as  often  as  he  conveniently  could,  till  they  might  be 
formed  into  proper  districts,  and  have  ministers  sent  over 
to  them. 

"  He  went  frequently  to  Chichester,  Chester  and  Con- 
cord, to  Montgomery  and  Radnor,  each  about  twenty  miles 
distant  from  Philadelphia;  and  to  Maidenhead,  in  West 
Jersey,  forty  miles  distant.  This  travelling  was  both 
fatiguing  and  expensive,  yet  he  frequently  visited  these 
places,  being  determined  by  all  means,  to  lose  none  of  those 
he  had  gained.  But  Montgomery  and  Radnor,  next  to 
Philadelphia,  had  the  most  considerable  share  in  his 
labours. 

"  Mr.  Evans  used  to  preach  two  evening  lectures  at  Phil- 
adelphia, one  preparatory  to  the  holy  sacrament,  on  the  last 
Sunday  of  the  month  ;  the  other  to  a  society  of  young  men, 
who  met  together  every  Lord's  day,  after  evening  prayer,  to 
read  the  scripture,  and  sing  psalms.  Mr.  Evans  was  always 
present  at  these  meetings,  unless  hindered  by  some  public  ser- 
vice, and  used  to  read  some  select  prayers  out  of  the 
church  liturgy,  and  preached  upon  subjects  suitable  to  an 
audience  of  young  men.  There  arose  an  unforeseen  ad- 
vantage from  the  lectures,  for  not  only  the  young  men  who 
designedly  met,  were  improved,  but  a  great  many  young 
persons,  who  dared  not  appear  in  the  day  time,  at  the  pub- 
lic service  of  the  church,  for  fear  of  disobliging  their  parents 
or  masters,  would  stand  under  the  church  windows  at  night 
and  hearken :  at  length,  many  of  them  took  up  a  resolution 
to  leave  the  sects  they  had  followed,  desired  baptism,  and 


412  EARLY     HISTORY 

became  stedfast  in  the  communion  of  the  church.  Several 
accounts  from  Mr.  Keith  and  Mr.  Talbot  acquaint  that  Mr. 
Evans  baptized  in  Philadelphia,  and  the  adjoining  parts, 
above  eight  hundred  persons.  The  Welsh  people  of  Rad- 
nor and  Montgomery  stirred  up  by  his  preaching,  addressed 
the  Bishop  of  London  for  a  minister,  who  understood  their 
language  ;  representing,  that  a  very  considerable  number 
of  Welsh  people  in  those  towns  and  neighbouring  parts, 
who  had  been  bred  up  members  of  the  church  of  England, 
were  here  unhappily  fallen  into  quakerism,  for  want  of  a 
minister  ;  as  being  disposed  to  follow  that,  rather  than  have 
no  form  of  religion,  and  who  were  ready  to  return  back  to 
the  Church  of  England. 

"  In  the  year  1707,  Mr.  Evans  came  to  England  upon 
private  concerns  ;  during  his  absence,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rud- 
man,  a  worthy  Swedish  clergyman,  who  had  officiated 
among  his  countrymen  in  these  parts  for  several  years, 
took  care  of  his  cure  at  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Evans  returned 
to  Philadelphia,  and  continued  as  before  very  diligent  in 
his  duty ;  he  used  to  preach  sometimes  at  Hopewell,  in 
West  Jersey,  forty  miles  distant  from  Philadelphia,  where 
the  people  were  exceeding  desirous  of  having  the  Church 
of  England  worship  settled  ;  and  only  upon  hopes  of  obtain- 
ing a  missionary  from  the  society,  had  with  considerable 
expense  built  a  church.  He  visited  also  Appoquinimy, 
sixty-five  miles  distant  from  Philadelphia  ;  and  a  new  set- 
tlement called  Parkeomen,  situated  on  the  river  Schoolkill  ; 
he  baptized  many  persons  here,  particularly  a  whole  family 
ofquakers,  to  the  number  of  fifteen.  He  afterwards  re- 
turned to  England  upon  account  of  some  family  concerns. 

"  In  the  year  1716,  Mr.  Evans  resolved  to  go  once  more 
abroad,  and  the  cure  of  Oxford  and  Radnor,  Welsh  settle- 
ments, being  then  vacant,  the  society  appointed  him  mis- 
sionary there.     He  undertook  that  cure  for  two  years,  and 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  413 

discharged  it  with  diligence,  to  the  great  advantage  of  the 
people,  and  much  to  his  own  credit.  He  was  afterwards 
invited  to  Maryland,  to  a  parish  there,  but  soon  after  died; 
with  this  general  character,  that  he  had  been  a  faithful 
missionary,  and  had  proved  a  great  instrument  towards  set- 
tling religion  and  the  Church  of  England  in  those  wild 
countries."  p.  144  to  151. 

The  people  of  Chester  county  showed  a  very  early  zeal 
to  have  the  Church  of  England  worship  settled  among 
them.  This  county  is  so  called  because  most  of  the  first 
inhabitants  of  it  came  from  Cheshire  in  England.  Chester 
the  chief  town  of  the  county,  is  finely  situate  on  the  river 
Delaware,  at  that  place,  three  miles  over;  the  road  for 
shipping  here  is  very  commodious  and  safe,  and^so  large 
that  a  royal  navy  might  ride  there.  The  people  here 
were  stirred  up  by  Mr.  Evans's  preaching;  to  engage  in 
building  a  church ;  they  erected  a  very  good  brick  fabric, 
one  of  the  neatest  on  the  continent,  and  completed  it  in 
July  1702,  at  the  sole  expense  of  private  subscriptions  of 
the  church  members.  It  was  opened  on  St.  Paul's  day, 
and  therefore  called  St.  Paul's,  and  Mr.  George  Keith 
preached  the  first  sermon  in  it. 

The  society  appointed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nicholls  mission- 
ary in  1703;  he  acquainted  the  society  in  1704,  that  he 
found  the  people  very  well  inclined  to  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, and  recommended  them  earnestly  to  the  society's 
care,  on  account  of  their  good  disposition,  though  they  had 
not  any  fixed  minister  till  now.  The  people  made  a  sub- 
scription of  sixty  pounds  a  year  towards  Mr.  Nicholls's  sup- 
port, and  became  very  regular  and  constant  at  divine  wor- 
ship. Mr.  Nicholls  said,  he  did  not  want  a  considerable 
congregation  at  his  first  arrival,  notwithstanding  his  being 
seated  in  the  midst  of  quakers,  and  ascribes  this  advantage 
to  the  industrious  preaching  of  the  society's  itinerant  mis- 
35* 


414  EARLY     HISTORY 

sionaries,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Keith  and  Mr.  Talbot,  who  had 
prepared  the  people  very  much  by  their  labours. 

Mr.   Jasper   Yeates    and   Mr.  James   Sandelands,    two 
worthy  gentlemen  of  this  place,  deserve  particular  men- 
tion here  ;  they  were  the  principal  promoters  of  the  build- 
ing this  church.     Mr.  Thomas  Powell  gave  also  a  valuable 
piece  of  ground  for  the  minister's  garden,  the  parishioners 
contributed  the  rest ;  and  as  soon  as  the  outside  was  com- 
pleted, the  inside  was  beautified,  mostly  at  the  expense  of 
those  who  frequented  it,  and  adorned  with  decent  furniture, 
a  handsome   pulpit  and  pews.      Mr.   Nicholls  continued 
here  with  good  success  in  his  labours,  till  about  1708,  at 
which  time  he  removed  to  Maryland.     The  Rev.  Mr.  Ross 
came  from  New  Castle,  and  officiated  here  upon  the  peo- 
ple's desire.     He  was  very  industrious  in  his  ministry  and 
acceptable  to  the  people.     He  moved  the  society  to  send 
some  good  books  here,  to  prevent  the  people's  continuing 
in  unsettled  notions  of  religion  ;  and  said  he  was  much  con- 
cerned to  observe  in  his  travels  up  and  down  the  country, 
that  there  were  variety  of  books  sent  and  placed  in  almost 
every  quaker  family,  especially  Barclay's  Apology,  to  for- 
tify the  people  in  their  errors,  and  furnish  them  with  argu- 
ments against  the  faith  ;  whereas   in  the  houses   of  the 
church   people,  few  or  no  books  were  to  be  seen.     Upon 
which  the   society  have  since   sent  quantities  of  Bibles, 
Common  Prayers,   and  devotional  tracts,  to  be  dispersed 
among  the  people.     However,  the  society  did  not  continue 
Mr.  Ross  at  Chester,  though  he  behaved  himself  entirely 
to  their  satisfaction,  but  directed  him  to  remove  to  New- 
castle, where  he  was  first  appointed,  and  sent  to  Chester 
the  Rev.    Mr.    Humphreys   their    missionary.     He   used 
great  diligence  in  serving  all  parts  of  his  cure,  and  gained 
the  love  and  esteem  of  his  parishioners.     There  were  at 
that  time  but  very  few  missionaries  in  that  province,  and 


OF    THE     CHURCH.  415 

being  obliged  to  divide  themselves  among  11  or  12  con- 
gregations, they  had  more  than  employ  sufficient.  The 
church  at  Chester  continued  in  a  flourishing  condition  dur- 
ing Mr.  Humphreys's  residence.  He  used  to  preach  once  a 
month  at  Chichester,  a  town  of  note,  where  the  people  had 
built  a  convenient  chapel,  upon  his  persuasion  and  promise 
to  attend  them  once  a  month.  It  is  distant  four  miles  from 
Chester,  and  there  is  a  legacy  left  by  Mr.  Jeremiah  Col- 
lett  to  the  minister  of  Chester,  to  preach  four  times  a  year 
there.  This  chapel  is  very  convenient  for  aged  people, 
youth  and  servants,  (who  cannot  go  so  far  as  to  Chester,) 
to  come  to  hear  divine  service.  Mr.  Humphreys  had  a 
congregation,  generally,  of  about  150  people.  He  used 
also  once  a  month  to  visit  the  small  neighbouring  town, 
Concord,  where  he  had  a  good  number  of  people  for  his 
hearers  ;  who  have  since,  for  the  more  decent  performing 
of  divine  worship,  built  a  little  church.  Mr.  Humphreys 
continued  very  diligent  in  the  care  of  these  three  places  ; 
but  by  reason  of  the  fatigue  of  visiting  several  congrega- 
tions, contracted  many  indispositions  and  severe  sicknesses, 
which  engaged  him  in  heavier  expenses  than  the  society's 
salary  and  the  people's  contributions  would  support.  He 
was  invited  to  Maryland  by  some  friends,  where  he  could 
have  a  better  provision,  which  he  accepted,  not  only  with 
the  society's  leave,  but  also  with  the  allowance  of  a  gra- 
tuity of  30  pounds  beyond  his  salary,  on  account  of  the 
hardships  he  suffered  on  his  mission,  and  of  his  good  beha- 
viour during  his  being  employed.  These  three  churches  are 
now  without  a  minister,  but  the  society  have  agreed  to  send 
them  a  missionary  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be. 

Oxford  and  Radnor,  two  Welsh  settlements,  were  first 
visited  by  Mr.  Evans  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  people  hav- 
ing been  members  of  the  Church  of  England,  when  they 
were  transplanted  from  Wales  hither,  were  desirous  of 


416  EARLY     HISTORY 

having  that  form  of  worship  fixed  among  them  again.  By 
his  occasional  sermons,  and  the  visits  of  other  clergymen, 
the  people  of  Oxford  were  encouraged  to  build  a  neat  and 
convenient  church.  The  congregation  consisted  chiefly 
of  the  younger  people,  and  the  whole  town  composed  about 
twenty  families;  they  not  only  built  a  church  but  sub- 
scribed also  twenty  pounds  a  year  to  their  minister  in 
money  and  country  produce.  The  people  of  Radnor  also 
petitioned  for  a  minister :  and  the  society  appointed  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Club,  missionary  to  Oxford  and  Radnor,  two 
towns,  being  about  twenty  miles  distant  from  each  other. 
He  arrived  there  in  1714.  The  inhabitants  of  both  towns 
received  him  with  great  kindness,  as  being  well  known  to 
them  before,  during  his  being  school -master  at  Philadelphia; 
the  people  of  Radnor,  especially,  were  very  thankful  to  the 
society  for  having  been  pleased  to  consider  their  wants,  and 
renewed  their  promise  of  giving  him  their  best  assistance, 
and  presently  after  his  arrival,  heartily  engaged  to  build  a 
handsome  stone  church,  which  they  have  since  performed. 
Mr.  Club  was  very  earnest  in  all  parts  of  his  ministerial 
office,  and  very  successful  in  his  labours,  and  happy  in  en- 
gao-inor  the  love  and  esteem  of  all  his  people.  But  the 
care  of  these  two  churches  engaged  him  in  great  fatigue, 
not  only  on  account  of  the  distance  between  the  places,  but 
because  of  the  extremity  of  the  weather,  whether  hot  or 
cold.  Mr.  Club  contracted  so  many  indispositions  by  his 
labours,  as  put  an  end  to  his  life  in  1715.  The  people 
were  so  sensible  of  the  difficulties  he  underwent,  that  after 
his  death  the  church-wardens  of  the  parish  wrote  thus  to 
the  society :  "  Mr.  Club,  our  late  minister,  was  the  first 
that  undertook  the  cure  of  Oxford  and  Radnor,  and  he  paid 
dear  for  it ;  for  the  great  fatigue  of  riding  between  the  two 
churches,  in  such  dismal  ways  and  weather  as  we  gener- 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  417 

ally  have  for  four  months  in  the  winter,  soon  put  a  period 
to  his  life." 

Both  towns  wrote  again  to  the  society,  requesting  an- 
other missionary,  the  society  wrote  a  letter,  exhorting  them 
to  consider  on  some  proper  means  among  themselves  for 
making  sufficient  allowance  for  a  minister  to  reside  con- 
stantly among  them.  In  answer  to  this  they  assured  the 
society,  "  They  were  heartily  disposed  to  do  their  best ; 
but  at  present  their  circumstances  would  not  do  great 
things.  They  were  at  present  but  poor  settlers,  who  had 
newly  settled  land  backwards  in  the  wilderness,  and  had  not 
yet  so  much  as  their  own  habitations  free  from  debts  ;  that 
indeed  they  had  built  churches,  in  hopes  of  having  minis- 
ters from  the  society,  and  had  thereby  so  much  encumbered 
themselves,  that  it  would  be  some  years,  in  all  probability, 
before  they  could  clear  that  debt." 

The  society  were  desirous  this  good  disposition  of  the 
people  should  not  be  disappointed,  and  in  1718,  appointed 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Wayman  their  missionary  at  Oxford  and 
Radnor.  He  entered  upon  his  ministry  among  them  with 
diligence,  and  the  people  continued  their  zeal  for  the 
church  service.  The  inhabitants  of  Oxford  purchased  a 
house,  orchard,  and  sixty-three  acres  of  land,  for  the  use 
and  habitation  of  the  minister ;  and  the  people  of  Radnor 
have  obliged  themselves  to  contribute  forty  pounds  procla- 
mation money  of  that  country,  yearly,  towards  the  support 
of  a  minister  to  preach  to  them  in  Welsh,  their  native  lan- 
guage, because  many  of  them  do  not  understand  English. 
Several  accounts  have  been  sent  the  society  that  Mr.  Way- 
man  is  very  careful  in  all  parts  of  his  duty,  and  that  he 
extends  his  labours  to  several  other  places,  on  the  week 
days,  when  he  can  be  spared  from  his  own  immediate 
charge ;  particularly  that  he  hath  often  travelled  to  Con- 
estego,  about  forty  miles  beyond  Radnor,  and    baptized 


418  EARLY     HISTORY 

there  and  elsewhere  above  seventy  children  in  one 
year.  Mr.  Wayman  hath  acquainted  the  society,  that  the 
members  of  the  church  increase  continually ;  that  there  is 
a  congregation  at  Whitemarsh,  about  ten  miles  distant  from 
Oxford,  who  are  desirous  of  a  minister,  and  have,  for  the 
decent  performance  of  divine  worship,  erected  a  goodly 
stone  building.  Mr.  Wayman  continues  in  the  mission,  with 
good  success. 

The  inhabitants  of  Appoquinimy  were  so  zealous  as  to 
build  a  convenient  church,  about  the  year  1705,  long  be- 
fore they  had  any  settled  minister.  They  used  to  be 
sometimes  visited  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sewell  from  Maryland, 
and  by  Mr.  Crawford  the  society's  missionary  in  Dover- 
Hundred.  They  applied  to  the  society  for  a  missionary, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jenkins  was  appointed  to  that  place ; 
upon  his  arrival,  he  found  the  people  much  scattered  in 
their  settlements,  and  Newcastle  town,  which  was  then 
vacant,  being  settled  closer  and  more  commodious,  he  offi- 
ciated there  for  some  time  at  first ;  but  soon  after,  by 
directions  from  the  society,  returned  to  his  own  cure  of 
Appoquinimy.  However,  during  his  stay  at  Newcastle,  he 
was  not  neglectful  of  his  duty.  At  his  return  to  Appoquin- 
imy, in  1708,  he  soon  drew  together  a  large  congregation 
of  about  two  hundred  persons,  who  were,  for  the  most  part, 
very  constant  hearers.  He  had  thirteen  communicants  the 
first  time  he  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  He  wrote 
to  the  society,  "  that  the  people  grew  so  earnest  in  reli- 
gion, that  above  twenty  persons  had  discoursed  with  him, 
in  order  for  their  due  instruction,  and  were  preparing 
themselves  against  the  next  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper ;  and  also,  that  a  great  many  grown  persons  were 
preparing  to  receive  holy  baptism,  and  that  he  hoped  soon 
to  be  able  to  send  over  a  joyful  account  of  his  further  suc- 
cess in  his  labours."     But  five  months  after  he  died,  and 


OP     THE     CHURCH.  419 

was  exceedingly  regretted  by  all  who  were  acquainted  with 
his  merit,  and  especially  by  his  parishioners.  The  vestry 
of  his  parish  wrote  thus  concerning  him  to  the  society, 
"  He  died  to  our  unspeakable  grief  and  loss ;  and  we  must 
do  that  justice  to  his  memory,  as  to  assure  the  honourable 
society,  that  he  behaved  himself  in  all  respects,  both  as  to 
his  doctrine  and  life,  as  became  the  sacred  character  he 
bore;  and  God  did  so  bless  his  labours  here,  that  before 
he  died  he  saw  our  church  in  a  flourishing  condition." 
IJiey  conclude  their  letter,  praying  the  society  to  send 
them  another  missionary.  The  society  did  not  send  a 
missionary  thither  for  a  considerable  time,  on  account  of 
being  engaged  to  support  other  missions,  to  the  extent  of 
their  fund;  however,  the  people  were  not  quite  desti- 
tute,  they  were  occasionally  visited  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Byork,  a  Swedish  minister,  who  came  from  Christina 
creek,  on  Delaware  river,  to  perform  divine  service  once 
a  month.  They  were  visited  also  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Club,  but  oftener  by  Mr.  Ross  from  Newcastle,  and  by 
some  other  missionaries.  But  the  clergy  there,  in  the 
year  1715,  with  much  earnestness  represented  to  the 
society,  that  the  state  of  several  places  in  that  province 
was  deplorable.  Many  churches,  which  were  once  filled 
with  considerable  numbers  of  communicants  whose  early 
zeal  had  led  them,  though  poor,  to  erect  those  decent 
structures  for  the  service  of  God,  and  at  some  of  them  to 
build  commodious  houses  for  the  reception  of  their  minis- 
ters, were,  through  a  long  vacancy,  by  the  death  or  remo- 
val of  the  missionaries,  quite  desolate ;  and  great  opportu- 
nities were  given  for  the  sincere  members  of  the  church  to 
be  seduced  to  errors,  especially  the  people  of  Appoquinimy, 
and  of  all  Bucks,  Kent  and  Sussex  counties.  They  assured 
they  had  done  the  utmost  they  could,  in  their  circumstances, 
to  keep  those  congregations  together,  by  dividing  the  care 


420  EARLY     HISTORY 

of  them  among  themselves,  and  visiting  them  sometimes  on 
week  days,  and  baptizing  their  children  and  instructing 
their  youth  ;  but  the  great  distance  from  their  fixed  cures 
rendered  the  service  out  of  measure  difficult.  The  soci- 
ety, moved  with  this  representation,  sent  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Merry  missionary  to  Appoquinimy ;  but  upon  account  of 
some  difficulties  in  the  mission  he  did  not  settle  there,  but 
after  a  short  stay  in  those  parts  returned  to  England.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Campbell  was  afterwards  sent  missionary,  but 
he  is  gone  from  this  mission  to  Brookhaven.  And  the 
society  have,  this  last  year  appointed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hacket 
missionary  hither,  and  conceive  good  hopes,  from  the  very 
ample  testimonials  he  brought  them  of  his  good  behaviour, 
that  he  will  answer  the  intent  of  his  mission. 

Newcastle,  the  capital  of  the  county  of  that  name,  is 
finely  seated,  standing  high  upon  the  Delaware  ;  this  county 
is  the  uppermost  of  the  three  lower,  Newcastle,  Kent  and 
Sussex,  which  run  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  along  the 
coast,  and  are  about  thirty  miles  deep  towards  Maryland. 
These  counties  comprehend  all  the  marshes  on  the  great 
bay  of  the  Delaware,  as  commodious  and  fertile  as  any  in 
the  world.  The  town  was  first  built  and  inhabited  by  the 
Dutch,  and  called  Amstel,  from  that  river  which  gives  a 
name  to  Amsterdam  in  Holland.  It  is  a  large  place,  con- 
taining above  twenty-five  hundred  souls.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
George  Ross,  was  appointed  missionary  hither  by  the 
society,  in  the  year  1705.  He  was  received  with  great 
kindness  by  the  inhabitants,  and  had  a  very  regular  congre- 
gation; not  only  the  people  of  the  town,  but  a  considerable 
number  of  the  country  people,  though  they  lived  a  good 
way  off  the  town,  some  above  twelve  miles,  yet  they  sel- 
dom missed  coming  to  church,  when  there  was  no  sermon 
in  the  country.  The  congregation  hath  continued  still 
increasing  through  Mr.  Ross's  assiduous  care  ;  he  extended 


OF    THE    CHURCH.  421 

his  labours  farther,  to  the  churches  of  Appoquinimy,  and  at 
Whiteclay  creek  ;  the  latter,  indeed,  is  reckoned  as  a  cha- 
pel of  ease  to  his  own  church,  the  other  a  distant  cure. 
When  Appoquinimy  had  no  missionary,  he  used  to  preach 
on  two  Sundays  at  Newcastle,  once  a  month  at  Appoquinimy, 
and  once  at  Whiteclay  creek.  This  truly  was  very  pain- 
ful service,  but  he  performed  it  with  a  willing  mind  and 
good  success.  Sometimes  however,  he  did  represent  to 
the  society,  that  the  people  at  Newcastle  seemed  to  lay 
claim  to  all  his  service,  and  to  take  it  somewhat  amiss 
when  he  was  employed  abroad  on  Sundays ;  and  adds, 
"  I  would  not  willingly  disoblige  them,  nor  yet  see,  if  I 
could  help  it,  the  church  at  Appoquinimy,  which  is  as  fre- 
quent as  that  at  Newcastle,  quite  destitute  and  forsaken." 
Indeed  the  people  at  Newcastle  have,  from  the  beginning, 
showed  a  due  regard  to  their  worthy  minister,  and  sub- 
scribed voluntarily  to  him,  about  forty-eight  pounds  per 
annum,  and  some  other  benefactions  have  been  made  to 
the  church :  particularly  Mr.  Richard  Halliwell,  a  gentle- 
man of  piety  and  honour,  made  a  bequest  as  follows  :  "  I 
give  and  bequeath  unto  Emanuel  Church,  standing  upon 
the  green,  in  the  town  of  Newcastle,  the  sum  of  sixty 
pounds,  it  being  due  to  me,  over  and  above  my  subscription 
towards  building  thereof.  Item,  I  also  give  and  bequeath 
all  my  marsh  and  plantation,  situate  near  the  broad  dyke  of 
the  town  of  Burlington,  containing  and  laid  out  for  sixty- 
seven  acres  of  land  and  marsh,  together  with  all  the  houses 
and  orchards,  and  other  improvements,  to  the  proper  use 
and  behoof  of  the  minister,  that  from  time  to  time  shall 
serve  the  said  Emanuel  Church,  forever."  This,  so  sig- 
nal a  benefaction,  by  a  gentleman  who  had  in  his  lifetime 
so  generously  contributed  towards  building  this  church, 
deserves  a  grateful  record  in  these  papers.  St.  James's 
Church,  at  Whiteclay  Creek,  is  the  other  branch  of  Mr. 
36 


422  EARLY    HISTORY 

Ross's  cure.  The  frame  of  this  church  was  raised  in 
December,  1716,  situate  about  ten  or  eleven  miles  from 
the  town  of  Newcastle.  It  is  made  of  wood,  in  length 
thirty-two  feet,  in  breadth  twenty-two,  and  stands  upon  a 
rising  ground  not  far  from  that  creek,  whence  the  hundred 
where  the  church  stands  borrows  its  name  :  it  is  as  fair  an 
oratory  as  any  not  built  of  brick,  in  that  government ;  but 
the  rise  of  this  church  may  more  peculiarly  be  ascribed  to 
a  worthy  gentleman,  Mr.  James  Robinson,  who  lived  there, 
and  took  great  pains  to  promote  the  building,  contributed 
himself  very  handsomely,  and  afterwards  endowed  it  with 
ten  acres  of  glebe  land  forever.  Mr.  Ross  hath  continued 
in  this  mission  until  the  present  time,  irreprovable  in  his 
conduct,  and  very  diligent  in  his  labours ;  which  he  hath 
not  only  employed  in  his  own  parish,  but  in  several  other 
places  occasionally,  and  very  much  to  the  satisfaction  of 
the  people  where  he  officiated.  He  hath  been  particularly 
serviceable  in  visiting  the  congregations  in  the  two  lower 
counties  of  Kent  and  Sussex,  when  they  had  no  resident 
ministers.  A  little  lower  I  shall  give  some  account  of  his 
labours  in  those  places. — pp.  151  to  166. 

The  two  lower  counties  of  Pennsylvania,  Kent  and  Sus- 
sex, had  very  early  care  taken  of  them  by  the  society, 
The  country  is  very  fruitful,  but  not  so  well  planted  as 
others.  The  families  are  not  settled  together  in  towns,  but 
live  in  scattered  plantations.  There  are  in  these  counties 
many  tracts  of  excellent  land,  which  tempt  the  inhabitants 
to  fix  in  such  separate  dwelling's.  Dover  is  the  capital  of 
Kent  county  ;  but  very  thin  of  houses,  containing  not  above 
forty  families.  The  people  showed  a  very  earnest  desire 
of  having  the  Church  of  England  worship  set  up  among 
them,  and  the  society  appointed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Crawford  to 
be  missionary  at  Dover?  in  the  year  1704.  He  entered 
upon  his  ministry  with  good  success,  and  gained  from  per- 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  423 

sons  of  repute,  the  character  of  an  ingenious  and  accepta- 
ble man.  The  people  began  soon  to  be  zealous  to  build  a 
church  for  divine  worship,  and  in  about  three  years  raised 
a  very  decent  fabric.  Soon  after  Mr.  Crawford's  coming 
among  them,  not  only  the  masters  of  families  brought  their 
children  to  be  baptized,  but  many  grown  persons,  who 
once  had  prejudices  to  the  church,  desired  and  received 
baptism  ;  in  about  two  years  time  Mr.  Crawford  baptized 
above  230,  young  and  old,  in  his  own  appointed  cure,  be- 
sides many  others  in  places  which  were  not  within  his 
charge.  He  was  very  constant  in  his  labours,  and  did  not 
confine  them  to  Dover  town,  and  the  adjacent  parts,  but 
preached  up  and  down  the  county,  which  is  above  fifty 
miles  long,  at  several  places.  His  general  audience  was 
from  fifty  tanear  two  hundred  persons,  and  he  ordinarily 
had  between  thirty  and  forty  communicants.  The  people 
at  his  first  coming  among  them  were  very  ignorant ;  inso- 
much that  he  informs,  not  one  man  in  the  country  under- 
stood how  the  Common  Prayer  Book  was  to  be  read :  and 
he  was  forced  to  instruct  them  privately  at  home,  in  the 
method  of  reading  the  liturgy  ;  for  the  more  general  in- 
struction of  the  people,  he  used  to  preach  one  Sunday  at 
the  upper  end  of  the  county,  another  at  Dover  church, 
and  a  third  at  the  lower  end  of  the  county.  He  used  to 
catechise  the  children  all  the  summer  long,  before  the  ser- 
mon, but  not  in  the  winter.  The  people  improved  much, 
became  serious  and  grave  in  their  behaviour  at  church,  and 
brought  their  children  very  regularly  for  baptism,  though  a 
great  many  of  them  were  quakers'  children,  or  had  been 
quakers  themselves.  He  was  also  invited  by  the  people  of 
Sussex  county,  to  come  and  preach  among  them,  which  he 
did,  at  Captain  Hill's  house  in  Lewis  town,  and  at  other 
places.  The  people  of  this  county  also,  were  of  a  religious 
disposition.     They  soon  after  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Bishop 


424  EARLY     HISTORY 

of  London,  desiring  a  minister,  and  promised  to  allow  him 
all  their  present  circumstances  would  permit ;  and  farther, 
to  show  their  hearty  zeal,  they  began  to  build  a  church, 
which  they  have  since  finished,  and  have  by  many  other 
instances  approved  themselves  a  worthy  people.  Mr. 
Crawford  acquainted  the  society,  that  Bibles,  Common 
Prayer  Books,  and  books  of  instruction  and  devotion,  were 
much  wanted ;  for  there  were  about  two  hundred  persons 
who  attended  the  public  worship,  who  had  none,  and  made 
application  to  him  for  some  ;  because  there  were  but  few 
to  be  purchased  there,  and  those  which  could  be  got,  were 
too  dear  for  them  to  purchase.  The  society  sent  a  quan- 
tity of  Bibles  and  Common  Prayers  to  be  distributed,  but 
Mr.  Crawford  came  to  England  soon  after,  upon  some  fam- 
i\y  affairs,  and  continued  here. 

Upon  this  account  the  people  of  these  two  large  counties 
continued  some  years  without  a  resident  minister.  How- 
ever, in  the  mean  time,  they  had  the  advantage  of  some 
visits  from  the  society's  missionaries,  especially  from  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ross,  as  I  observed  above.  In  August,  1717, 
Colonel  William  Keith,  the  governor,  resolving  to  visit  the 
lower  counties,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ross,  missionary  at  New- 
castle, was  invited  by  the  governor  to  accompany  him. 
Mr.  Ross  very  readily  embraced  this  kind  invitation, 
hoping  by  this  opportunity  to  make  himself  acquainted 
with  the  state  of  the  church  there,  and  in  some  measure 
supply  its  present  wants  by  his  ministry.  He  embarked 
with  the  governor  and  several  other  gentlemen  at  New- 
castle, and  set  sail  for  Lewistown,  in  Sussex  county,  which 
lies  upon  one  of  the  capes  of  the  river  Delaware,  and  in 
two  days  arrived  there.  On  the  7th  of  August  he  preach- 
ed before  the  governor  and  justices  of  the  county,  in  the 
court  house  of  the  county,  and  had  a  very  numerous  audi- 
ence of  the  people,  who  appeared  very  serious,  and  desi- 


OF     THE     CHURCH.  425 

rous  of  the  sacraments  of  the  church,  and  he  baptized 
that  day  thirty  children  which  were  brought  to  him.  On 
the  9th  day  of  the  same  month,  Mr.  Ross  preached  again 
before  the  governor  and  other  gentlemen,  had  a  large 
audience  of  the  people,  and  baptized  twenty-one  children. 
On  the  10th  the  governor  left  this  place,  in  order  to  go  to 
Kent  county.  Mr.  Ross  sat  out  before  him  to  a  place  of 
worship  about  sixteen  miles  from  Lewistown  ,*  it  is  a  small 
buildino-,  erected  by  a  few  well-disposed  persons  in  order  to 
meet  together  there  to  worship  God.  Mr.  Ross  preached 
once  here,  and  baptized  twenty-five  children,  and  several 
grown  persons.  On  the  Sunday  following,  August  the 
11th,  he  preached  to  a  very  large  congregation  in  the 
upper  parts  of  this  county,  where  the  people  had  erected 
a  fabric  for  the  church,  which  was  not  quite  finished. 
Here  he  baptized  twenty -six  children;  so  that  the  whole 
number  of  the  baptized  in  one  week's  stay  among  this 
people,  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  two. 

Mr.  Ross  observes  thus  to  the  society :  "  by  this  beha- 
viour of  the  people,  it  appears  plainly,  they  are  truly  zeal- 
ous for  the  Church  of  England,  though  they  have  had  but 
few  instructions  from  some  clergymen  passing  through 
these  parts,  and  some  visits  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Adams,  in 
Maryland."  As  the  governor  returned  home  through 
Kent  county,  Mr.  Ross  attended  him,  and  preached  before 
him  and  the  magistrates  on  the  14th  of  August ;  he  had  a 
very  full  congregation,  and  baptized  thirteen  children,  and 
one  grown  person.  In  April  following,  Mr.  Ross  resolved 
to  make  a  second  visit  by  himself,  to  the  people  of  Sussex 
county  ;  he  was  so  much  pleased  with  his  former  success 
among  them,  that  he  was  desirous  to  improve  further  the 
good  disposition  of  the  people.  He  went  to  Sussex  county, 
continued  there  six  days,  preached  on  every  one  of  them 
at  different  places,  and  baptized  above  one  hundred  per- 

36* 


426  EARLY     HISTORY 

sons,  seven  of  whom  were  of  an  advanced  age.  Lastly,  he 
opened  there  a  new  church  which  the  poor  people  had 
built,  notwithstanding  so  great  a  discouragement  as  their 
having  no  minister. 

Mr.  Ross  sent  this  account  of  his  labours  in  these  two 
counties,  to  the  society  in  form  of  a  journal,  and  the  mis- 
sionaries  of  this  colony  made  a  full  representation  of  the 
state  of  the  church  in  those  parts.  The  governor  Was  far- 
ther pleased  to  write  a  letter  to  the  society,  and  to  trans- 
mit several  applications  made  to  him  by  the  clergy,  relat- 
ing to  the  church  affairs,  and  a  copy  of  the  above  named 
journal  of  Mr.  Ross.  His  letter  runs  thus  :  "  According  to 
my  duty,  I  presume  to  lay  before  you  the  application  of 
your  missionaries,  the  clergy  of  this  province  and  neigh- 
bourhood, to  me,  relating  to  the  Church  here  ;  as  also  a 
copy  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Ross's  journal  of  his  ser- 
vices done  in  the  counties  of  Kent  and  Sussex.  It  is  a 
great  satisfaction  to  me  that  I  can  assure  this  venerable 
board  of  the  great  pains  and  diligent  care  which  the  rev- 
erend gentlemen  within  named  take,  in  all  the  parts  of 
their  ministerial  function ;  and  herein  I  cannot  but  in  jus- 
tice, particularly  recommend  Mr.  Ross's  capacity,  pious 
and  exemplary  life,  and  great  industry,  to  your  favourable 
notice  and  regard.  But  I  must  observe,  that  the  duty  here 
daily  increases  at  such  a  rate,  and  the  labourers  are  so  few, 
that  without  your  pious  and  immediate  care,  to  relieve  and 
supply  this  languishing,  but  valuable  branch  of  the  church, 
all  our  endeavours  will  be  to  no  purpose." 

The  society  were  very  much  affected  with  these  repre- 
sentations of  the  clergy,  and  especially  with  the  governor's 
letter ;  and  resolved  that  a  missionary  should  be  sent  to 
Sussex  county ;  and  soon  after  appointed  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Becket,  missionary  at  Lewistown. 

Lewis,  the  capital  of  Sussex  county,  is  a  handsome  large 


OF    THE    CHURCH.  427 

town,  standing  on  the  lovely  bank  of  a  river,  between  the 
town  and  the  sea,  which  makes  the  harbour,  about  one 
hundred  and  forty  miles  distant  from  Philadelphia.  Mr. 
Becket  arrived  here  1721,  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of 
his  mission  with  great  diligence ;  he  was  obliged  to  divide 
his  labours  between  three  places.  He  resided  at  Lewis, 
but  officiated  alternately  at  one  place  eight  miles  distant, 
and  at  another  twenty-five  miles  distant  from  Lewis.  He 
had  a  considerable  number  of  inhabitants  attending  divine 
service  at  both  places ;  and  in  half  a  year  after  his  arrival, 
he  baptized  fifty-five  persons,  nine  of  which  were  of  a 
grown  age.  His  private  admonitions  and  preaching  had 
soon  a  good  effect  on  many  irregular  persons,  and  there 
appeared  a  manifest  change  in  the  manners  of  the  people ; 
some  also  who  were  addicted  to  several  sensual  vices, 
were  reclaimed  to  a  more  orderly  way  of  life. 

This  reformation  was  so  considerable,  that  the  gentle- 
men of  the  county  took  notice  of  it,  and  Mr.  Becket  re- 
ceived upon  this  account  the  thanks  of  the  magistrates  and 
gentlemen  in  that  county,  for  his  great  pains  and  labours. 
Upon  Mr.  Becket's  first  coming,  there  was  no  church  built 
at  Lewis ;  but  the  people  presently  made  a  subscription, 
and  began  to  build  one  with  all  expedition.  In  the  mean 
time,  Mr.  Becket  preached  in  the  most  convenient  houses 
he  could  have ;  his  necessary  labours  were  very  great,  for 
he  was  obliged  to  travel  seventy  or  eighty  miles  every 
week,  to  discharge  the  duties  of  his  function,  in  several 
places  ;  that  large  county,  fifty  miles  in  length,  and  twenty 
in  breadth,  being  all  reckoned  his  parish. 

In  the  second  year  after  his  arrival,  he  continued  to  have 
the  same  good  success,  and  in  six  months  baptized  forty- 
eight  children,  five  persons  of  advanced  years,  two  mothers 
of  several  children,  one  white  servant,  and  two  negro 
slaves,  and  in  two  of  the  churches  he  had  twenty  commu- 


428  EARLY     HISTORY 

nicants  each  time.  There  were  above  one  hundred  and 
forty  persons,  masters  of  families,  zealous  members  of  the 
Church  of  England,  besides  many  single  persons,  servants, 
and  negroes,  that  constantly  attended  divine  service.  But 
the  number  of  the  native  Indians  did  not  exceed  one  hundred 
and  twenty,  who  had  a  small  settlement  on  the  utmost 
border  of  the  parish,  where  it  adjoins  to  Maryland ;  they 
were  extremely  barbarous,  and  obstinately  ignorant. 

The  inhabitants  of  Lewis  raised  the  frame  of  a  church 
on  a  high  bank  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  in  October,  1720, 
and  diligently  carried  on  the  building ;  in  the  mean  time, 
the  people  in  the  country,  assisted  with  some  money  gath- 
ered in  town,  began  to  finish  and  fit  up  the  two  churches 
which  had  been  raised  at  distant  places  in  the  country. 
Mr,  Becket  used  much  diligence  in  all  parts  of  his  minis- 
terial office,  and  in  the  following  year  baptized  eighty-two, 
twelve  of  which  were  grown  persons.  As  he  travelled  this 
year,  through  Kent  county,  to  go  to  a  meeting  of  the  so- 
ciety's missionaries  at  Chichester,  he  "preached  in  that 
county  to  a  good  body  of  people,  who  had  built  them  a 
large  church,  but  had  no  minister,  and  on  one  day  bap- 
tized twenty-one,  six  of  whom  were  grown  persons. 

He  represented  to  the  society,  that  he  had  a  very  nume- 
rous congregation,  and  that  there  was  great  want  of  a  mis- 
sionary in  the  country,  there  being  a  considerable  body  of 
people  here,  who  joined  heartily  with  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land ;  and  some  others,  who  had  been  of  many  religious 
persuasions,  and  now  seemed  to  be  of  none  at  all ;  and 
therefore  had  still  more  need  of  an  instructer. 

In  the  year  following,  the  church  at  Lewis  was  finished, 
and  divine  service  was  performed  in  it ;  and  the  two 
churches  in  the  country  were  completed.  Mr.  Becket 
writes  thus  concerning  the  people's  zeal  for  religion;  "  We 
have  now  three  churches  in  this  county,  yet  none  of  them 


OF     THE    CHURCH.  429 

will  contain  the  hearers  that  would  constantly  attend  di- 
vine service  :  the  people,  at  a  good  time  of  the  year,  make 
no  account  of  riding  twenty  miles  to  church,  a  thing  very 
common  in  this  part  of  America,  which  is  sufficient  to  shew, 
that  our  people  have  a  great  value  for  the  favour  of  the 
society,  and  that  our  labour  is  not  lost,  in  this  distant  part 
of  the  world."  Mr.  Becket  still  continues  in  this  mission 
with  great  success. 

As  the  administration  of  this  government  is  in  the  hands 
of  quakers,  no  acts  of  Assembly  have  been  made,  either  for 
building  of  churches,  or  settling  any  salaries  upon  minis- 
ters ;  however,  a  great  part  of  the  people  being  hearty 
members  of  the  Church  of  England,  have  contributed  by 
private  subscriptions,  very  liberally,  and  built  fifteen 
churches,  very  decent  structures  for  celebrating  public 
divine  worship.  Several  valuable  bequests  have  been  made 
for  the  use  of  the  church  and  ministers,  and  houses  have 
been  built  for  them,  and  the  congregations  of  each  minis- 
ter do  voluntarily  contribute  towards  the  maintenance  of 
their  minister,  as  much,  and  in  some  places  more,  than  any 
law  could  reasonably  demand  of  them. 

The  society  have  distributed  among  the  poorer  people  in 
this  province,  above  two  thousand  volumes  of  bound  books, 
and  about  £300.  worth  of  small  tracts."— pp.  166  to  179. 

Thus  did  this  little  plant,  in  process  of  time,  become 
a  mighty  tree,  "  whose  leaves  have  been  for  the  heal- 
ing of  the  nations."  It  has  sent  out  its  boughs  into  all 
lands.  The  prayer  of  the  first  founders  of  this  "  ven- 
erable" society,  has  been  most  signally  answered,  that 
"  God  would  prosper  their  work,  and  make  it  appear 
to  be  the  work  of  his  hands."  "  Of  its  extraordinary 
efficiency;"  it  has  been  justly  said,  "  some  approach  to 
a  correct  opinion  may  be  formed  from  the  fact,  that 


430  EARLY     HISTORY,    ETC. 

when  it  began  its  operations  in  the  American  colonies, 
it  found  but  five  churches ;  and  when  compelled  by 
the  war  of  the  revolution  to  close  them,  it  left  us  with 
two  hundred  and  fifty."  From  the  report  of  the  soci- 
ety in  1837,  we  learn  that  its  receipts  in  that  year 
were  more  than  350,000  dollars,  and  that  the  expendi- 
tures exceeded  480,000  dollars.  The  whole  number 
of  books  and  tracts  circulated,  during  that  period,  was 
two  millions,  two  hundred  and  thirty-jive  thousand,  six 
hundred  and  fourteen.  Of  these,  187,715  were  Bibles 
and  Testaments,  and  192,444  were  Prayer  Books. 

May  the  divine  blessing  continue  to  rest  upon  this 
noble  charity,  and  crown  its  labours  with  even  more 
abundant  success  !  "  Thou  G  of  hosts,  look  down 
from  heaven,  behold  and  visit  this  vine,  and  the  place 
of  the  vineyard  that  thy  right  hand  hath  planted,  and 
the  branch  that  thou  madest  so  strong  for  thyself." 


THE  END. 


DATE  DUE 

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